1 C1 idiomatic neutral
for a vehicle to rotate uncontrollably and leave its intended direction
"The car spun out on the icy bridge."
inseparable
spin out
C1 neutral both transitive/intransitive
to spin out of control, make something last longer, or produce something from a larger whole
In plain English
to turn out of control, make something go on longer, or pull something out from something bigger
What does "spin out" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic neutral
to make something continue longer than necessary
"The speaker spun the answer out for another ten minutes."
both
3 C1 idiomatic formal
to separate a business unit into an independent company
"The board decided to spin out the research arm next year."
both
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
to spin toward the outside
Actually means
to turn out of control, make something go on longer, or pull something out from something bigger
Usage tip
Several distinct senses. In driving, it often refers to losing control. In formal contexts, it can also mean creating an independent company from a parent organization.
Words that pair with "spin out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
car vehicle meeting story company division
How to conjugate "spin out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
spin out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
spins out
he/she/it
Past simple
spined out
yesterday
Past participle
spined out
have + pp
-ing form
spining out
continuous
Hear "spin out" in the wild
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Other ways to say "spin out"
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