1 B1 neutral
To physically bring someone or something out from one place to another using wheels.
"The caterers wheeled out the dessert trolley at the end of the banquet."
separable
wheel out
B2 informal separable transitive
To bring someone or something out for use or display, often implying it is done repeatedly or that the thing is old and predictable.
In plain English
To bring something out to show people, especially something that has been used many times before.
What does "wheel out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To produce or present someone or something in a way that seems routine, calculated, or repetitive, often implying predictability.
"The politicians wheeled out the same tired promises they had made in the last three elections."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To physically push something out on wheels from where it was stored.
Actually means
To bring something out to show people, especially something that has been used many times before.
Usage tip
Often used with a slightly critical or ironic tone, suggesting that whatever is being produced is familiar, overused, or done mechanically. Common in political and media commentary: 'the government wheeled out the same tired excuses.'
Words that pair with "wheel out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
excuse expert argument statistic celebrity proposal
How to conjugate "wheel out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
wheel out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
wheels out
he/she/it
Past simple
wheeled out
yesterday
Past participle
wheeled out
have + pp
-ing form
wheeling out
continuous
Hear "wheel out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "wheel out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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