Browse all

stay out

A2 neutral intransitive
In simple words

To not come inside, or to stay away from home late; also to not get involved in something

Literal meaning: To stay (remain) out — not to come inside or not to enter a situation

Meanings

1 A2 neutral

To remain outside or away from home, especially late at night

"Her parents were worried because she stayed out past midnight."

2 A2 idiomatic informal

To not become involved in someone's affairs or a dispute

"This argument is between them — you should stay out of it."

3 B2 idiomatic neutral

(Of workers) To continue a strike and not return to work

"The union voted to stay out until their demands were met."

Usage notes

Very common in everyday English. Can describe staying out late socially (she stayed out until midnight), remaining outdoors, or staying uninvolved in a matter (stay out of it). The phrase 'stay out of it' or 'stay out of my business' is a very frequent expression.

Commonly used with

late night trouble business affair argument way

Forms

Base
stay out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
stays out
he/she/it
Past simple
stayed out
yesterday
Past participle
stayed out
have + pp
-ing form
staying out
continuous

Understand "stay out" better

Try:

Real video examples

Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.

Synonyms

remain outside keep out not interfere not get involved steer clear

Want to master this phrasal verb?

Practice "stay out" on Looplines