squeak out
B2 informal separable transitive
In simple words
To just barely manage to win, get, or produce something
Literal meaning: A squeak is a high, thin sound — something that barely gets through, like a mouse squeezing through a tiny gap and squeaking
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
informal
To achieve a victory or desired result by a very narrow margin
"The home team squeaked out a one-nil win in the dying seconds of the match."
Grammar: separable
2 B2 informal
To say something in a thin, high-pitched voice, often because of nervousness or surprise
"She squeaked out a thank-you when she was called to collect the award."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Very common in American sports journalism to describe a narrow victory. Also used informally to mean making a small or soft sound. The victory sense is primarily American English. Often used with 'a win', 'a victory', or 'a pass'.
Commonly used with
win victory goal pass profit confession
Forms
Base
squeak out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
squeaks out
he/she/it
Past simple
squeaked out
yesterday
Past participle
squeaked out
have + pp
-ing form
squeaking out
continuous
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Synonyms
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