1 B2 idiomatic informal
To make a special effort or accept personal inconvenience to do something helpful for others.
"Please don't put yourself out on my account — a sandwich is absolutely fine."
inseparable
put oneself out
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
To make a special effort or accept personal inconvenience in order to help someone.
In plain English
To do something that takes extra trouble or effort, especially to help another person.
What does "put oneself out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
Used ironically to criticize someone who is clearly not making enough effort.
"Oh, don't put yourself out — it's not like I needed any help moving those heavy boxes."
inseparable
Usage tip
Often used in negative constructions or questions: 'Don't put yourself out' or 'Would it really put you out?' The negative form is frequently ironic, meaning the speaker wishes the other person had made more effort.
Words that pair with "put oneself out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
help guests anyone trouble effort inconvenience
How to conjugate "put oneself out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
put oneself out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
puts oneself out
he/she/it
Past simple
put oneself out
yesterday
Past participle
put oneself out
have + pp
-ing form
putting oneself out
continuous
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Other ways to say "put oneself out"
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go out of one's way inconvenience oneself make an effort stretch oneself trouble oneself
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