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stall out

B2 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words

To suddenly stop working or moving forward, like a car engine that cuts out

Literal meaning: When a vehicle's engine stalls, it stops completely; 'out' reinforces the idea of complete cessation

Meanings

1 B1 neutral

For a vehicle or engine to suddenly stop working

"The car stalled out on the motorway and I had to call for roadside assistance."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 idiomatic neutral

For a process, project, or effort to stop making progress and come to a standstill

"The peace negotiations stalled out after three days when the delegations could not agree on basic terms."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Common in both literal (vehicles, engines) and figurative (projects, careers, economies) contexts. Very common in American English journalism and business reporting. Suggests that progress has halted and may not resume.

Commonly used with

engine car economy talks project career reform

Forms

Base
stall out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
stalls out
he/she/it
Past simple
stalled out
yesterday
Past participle
stalled out
have + pp
-ing form
stalling out
continuous

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Synonyms

come to a halt grind to a halt stop dead break down peter out hit a wall

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