1 C1 neutral
(Automotive) A wheel alignment setting where the front edges of the wheels point slightly outward.
"The wheels were set to toe out, which caused the car to handle poorly at high speed."
inseparable
toe out
C1 neutral inseparable transitive/intransitive
To angle the front of wheels or feet outward so they point away from each other.
In plain English
When the front of wheels or feet point outward away from the middle.
What does "toe out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 neutral
To walk or stand with the feet pointing outward.
"Ballet training often causes dancers to toe out naturally even when they are off stage."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
The toes (of wheels or feet) pointing outward.
Actually means
When the front of wheels or feet point outward away from the middle.
Usage tip
Technical automotive and biomechanical term, opposite of 'toe in'. Less common as a positive wheel alignment setting since most vehicles use slight toe-in for stability. Also describes 'duck-footed' walking gait.
Words that pair with "toe out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
wheels alignment feet stance gait front wheels
How to conjugate "toe out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
toe out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
toes out
he/she/it
Past simple
toed out
yesterday
Past participle
toed out
have + pp
-ing form
toing out
continuous
Hear "toe out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "toe out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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