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rust out

C1 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words

When something is ruined by rust from the inside, or when a person gets worse from not doing anything

Literal meaning: To be emptied out or destroyed by rust — fairly transparent for the corrosion sense

Meanings

1 C1 neutral

For a metal object to be destroyed or made unusable by extensive rusting from within

"The old truck had completely rusted out — the floor panels had crumbled away."

Grammar: inseparable
2 C1 idiomatic neutral

(Figurative) To become mentally or physically stagnant from inactivity or lack of challenge

"He retired at fifty and worried he would rust out without work to keep his mind sharp."

""It is better to wear out than to rust out.""

— Attributed to Bishop Richard Cumberland / George Whitefield, 18th century; widely quoted proverbial expression
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

The literal sense applies to vehicles and metal structures. The figurative sense ('It's better to wear out than to rust out') is a well-known proverbial expression encouraging activity over idleness. Associated with the quote attributed to Richard Cumberland and Bishop Richard Watts.

Commonly used with

engine frame car pipe mind body

Forms

Base
rust out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
rusts out
he/she/it
Past simple
rusted out
yesterday
Past participle
rusted out
have + pp
-ing form
rusting out
continuous

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