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spell it out

B1 neutral separable transitive
In simple words

to say something so clearly that nobody can misunderstand it

Literal meaning: to write or say every letter of it

Meanings

1 B1 idiomatic neutral

to explain something very clearly and in full detail

"Let me spell it out for you: the deadline will not be moved."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Often used when someone is impatient, firm, or making things especially clear. It can sound slightly sharp depending on tone.

Commonly used with

rules instructions problem truth details consequences

Forms

Base
spell it out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
spells it out
he/she/it
Past simple
spelled it out
yesterday
Past participle
spelled it out
have + pp
-ing form
spelling it out
continuous

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Synonyms

explain clearly make clear state plainly lay out clarify make explicit

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