1 B2 idiomatic informal
To lose one's courage and decide not to do something scary or challenging at the last moment.
"He was going to do a bungee jump but bottled out at the top of the platform."
inseparable
bottle out
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
To lose one's nerve and decide not to do something at the last moment, especially something that required courage.
In plain English
To suddenly decide not to do something scary because you get too frightened at the last minute.
What does "bottle out" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
'Bottle' is British slang for courage; to 'bottle out' means your bottle (courage) runs out — you lose your nerve.
Actually means
To suddenly decide not to do something scary because you get too frightened at the last minute.
Usage tip
Primarily British English. 'Bottle' in British slang means courage or nerve, so 'bottle out' literally means to lose your bottle (courage) and withdraw. Often used with mild scorn or teasing. The opposite is to 'have bottle' (be brave). Almost always refers to losing nerve at the critical moment of action.
Words that pair with "bottle out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
challenge fight dare moment jump attempt
How to conjugate "bottle out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
bottle out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
bottles out
he/she/it
Past simple
bottled out
yesterday
Past participle
bottled out
have + pp
-ing form
bottling out
continuous
Hear "bottle out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "bottle out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.