1 B1 idiomatic informal
For a machine or device to stop working suddenly and unexpectedly.
"My laptop crapped out right in the middle of the presentation."
inseparable
crap out
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
To fail or stop working suddenly; to withdraw from a commitment at the last moment; to lose in a dice game (gambling origin).
In plain English
To suddenly stop working, or to give up and quit something you said you would do.
What does "crap out" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To withdraw from a plan, commitment, or activity at the last moment, often disappointing others.
"Three of the volunteers crapped out at the last minute, leaving us shorthanded."
inseparable
3 C1 neutral
(Gambling) To lose at craps by rolling a 2, 3, or 12 on the opening roll.
"He crapped out on the very first throw and lost his entire stake."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
In craps (a dice game), to roll a 2, 3, or 12 on the first throw, meaning an immediate loss.
Actually means
To suddenly stop working, or to give up and quit something you said you would do.
Usage tip
Originally from craps (dice gambling), where 'crapping out' means rolling a losing number. Now widely used in informal American English to mean anything that fails suddenly. Can also mean to quit or back out of something.
Words that pair with "crap out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
machine laptop engine plan deal game
How to conjugate "crap out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
crap out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
craps out
he/she/it
Past simple
craped out
yesterday
Past participle
craped out
have + pp
-ing form
craping out
continuous
Hear "crap out" in the wild
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Other ways to say "crap out"
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