1 B1 neutral
To drive a vehicle backwards out of a confined space such as a driveway, garage, or parking spot.
"She carefully reversed out of the narrow driveway without hitting the gate."
inseparable
reverse out
B1 neutral inseparable intransitive
To drive a vehicle backwards out of a space or location.
In plain English
To go backwards in a car to get out of a parking spot or driveway.
What does "reverse out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic formal
To withdraw from or undo a position, decision, or arrangement (figurative).
"The company decided to reverse out of the deal after reviewing the financial risks."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To go in reverse and come out of a place.
Actually means
To go backwards in a car to get out of a parking spot or driveway.
Usage tip
Most commonly used in British English for reversing a car out of a driveway, garage, or parking space. Less common in American English, where 'back out' is preferred.
Words that pair with "reverse out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
driveway garage parking space car park spot
How to conjugate "reverse out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
reverse out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
reverses out
he/she/it
Past simple
reversed out
yesterday
Past participle
reversed out
have + pp
-ing form
reversing out
continuous
Hear "reverse out" in the wild
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Other ways to say "reverse out"
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