1 B2 idiomatic informal
To achieve a victory or desired result by a very narrow margin
"The home team squeaked out a one-nil win in the dying seconds of the match."
separable
squeak out
B2 informal separable transitive
To barely manage to achieve or produce something, often by the narrowest possible margin
In plain English
To just barely manage to win, get, or produce something
What does "squeak out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 informal
To say something in a thin, high-pitched voice, often because of nervousness or surprise
"She squeaked out a thank-you when she was called to collect the award."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
A squeak is a high, thin sound — something that barely gets through, like a mouse squeezing through a tiny gap and squeaking
Actually means
To just barely manage to win, get, or produce something
Usage tip
Very common in American sports journalism to describe a narrow victory. Also used informally to mean making a small or soft sound. The victory sense is primarily American English. Often used with 'a win', 'a victory', or 'a pass'.
Words that pair with "squeak out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
win victory goal pass profit confession
How to conjugate "squeak out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
squeak out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
squeaks out
he/she/it
Past simple
squeaked out
yesterday
Past participle
squeaked out
have + pp
-ing form
squeaking out
continuous
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