spin out
C1 neutral both both
In simple words
to turn out of control, make something go on longer, or pull something out from something bigger
Literal meaning: to spin toward the outside
Meanings
1 C1
idiomatic
neutral
for a vehicle to rotate uncontrollably and leave its intended direction
"The car spun out on the icy bridge."
Grammar: inseparable
2 C1
idiomatic
neutral
to make something continue longer than necessary
"The speaker spun the answer out for another ten minutes."
Grammar: both
3 C1
idiomatic
formal
to separate a business unit into an independent company
"The board decided to spin out the research arm next year."
Grammar: both
Usage notes
Several distinct senses. In driving, it often refers to losing control. In formal contexts, it can also mean creating an independent company from a parent organization.
Commonly used with
car vehicle meeting story company division
Forms
Base
spin out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
spins out
he/she/it
Past simple
spined out
yesterday
Past participle
spined out
have + pp
-ing form
spining out
continuous
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Synonyms
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