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light out

B2 informal intransitive

To leave quickly, especially to escape or head toward a destination without delay.

In plain English

To run away or leave very fast, often to get somewhere or get away from something.

What does "light out" mean?

One main meaning — here's how to use it.

1 B2 idiomatic informal

To leave quickly and suddenly, especially to head somewhere or to escape a situation.

"As soon as the bell rang, the students lit out for the playground."

But I reckon I got to light out for the Territory ahead of the rest.

— Mark Twain, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1884)
Usage tip

Chiefly American English, with roots in 19th-century frontier and Southern US speech. Often followed by 'for' + destination: 'light out for the territory'. Made famous by Mark Twain. Slightly dated but still understood.

Words that pair with "light out"

Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.

territory town road quickly fast alone

How to conjugate "light out"

The five tense forms you'll use most often.

Base
light out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
lights out
he/she/it
Past simple
lighted out
yesterday
Past participle
lighted out
have + pp
-ing form
lighting out
continuous

Hear "light out" in the wild

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

Other ways to say "light out"

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

bolt flee head out make a run for it run off take off

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