To sell all available stock or tickets; to betray one's principles or allies for personal gain.
When a shop or event has no more of something left because everything has been bought; or when someone betrays what they believe in to get something for themselves.
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To sell all available tickets, stock, or seats so that none remain.
"The concert sold out within minutes of tickets going on sale."
The tour sold out in record time, with venues across the country filling up instantly.
— Rolling Stone, 2023
To betray one's principles, values, or group — typically by compromising them for money or personal advantage.
"His former fans accused the musician of selling out when he agreed to feature in the fast food commercial."
You think I've sold out. That I've become everything I used to stand against.
To betray a person or group, typically by giving information to an enemy or opponent.
"He sold out his colleagues to the authorities in exchange for a reduced sentence."
The 'all stock sold' sense is neutral and very common. The 'betray principles' sense is informal and carries a strongly negative judgment. Often used as a noun ('a sell-out') to describe both a completely sold event and a person who has betrayed their values.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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