Browse all

get out

A2 neutral mixed transitive/intransitive

To leave a place, escape a situation, or (of information) to become known.

In plain English

To leave somewhere, or for a secret to stop being a secret.

What does "get out" mean?

4 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.

1 A2 neutral

To leave a place, especially quickly or as a command.

"'Get out of my office right now!' she shouted."

inseparable
2 A2 neutral

To escape from a difficult, dangerous, or unpleasant situation.

"We need to find a way to get out before the situation gets worse."

inseparable
3 B1 idiomatic neutral

(Of news or a secret) to become known to the public or others.

"The story got out before the company could prepare an official statement."

inseparable
4 B1 idiomatic neutral

To produce or say something with difficulty.

"He was so emotional that he could barely get the words out."

separable

Literal vs figurative

Words literally mean

To move to the outside — transparent in the physical sense.

Actually means

To leave somewhere, or for a secret to stop being a secret.

Usage tip

As a command ('Get out!'), it can range from playful to very aggressive. In the information sense, the subject is always the piece of news or secret. Very high frequency in everyday speech.

Words that pair with "get out"

Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.

car house alive news secret information word way

How to conjugate "get out"

The five tense forms you'll use most often.

Base
get out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
gets out
he/she/it
Past simple
got out
yesterday
Past participle
got/gotten out
have + pp
-ing form
getting out
continuous

Hear "get out" in the wild

Listen to native speakers using "get out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.

Other ways to say "get out"

Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.

become known depart emerge escape exit leave

Keep exploring

Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.