spiral out
C1 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words
to get worse and worse until it is hard to stop
Literal meaning: to move outward in a spiral shape
Meanings
1 C1
idiomatic
neutral
to worsen steadily and become difficult or impossible to control
"Without support, his anxiety began to spiral out of control."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Often used for emotions, finances, health, violence, and situations that worsen step by step.
Commonly used with
control debt anxiety violence situation costs
Forms
Base
spiral out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
spirals out
he/she/it
Past simple
spiraled out
yesterday
Past participle
spiraled out
have + pp
-ing form
spiraling out
continuous
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Synonyms
get out of control snowball worsen rapidly escalate run wild
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