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trot out

B2 informal separable transitive
In simple words

To bring out the same old argument, excuse, or example that everyone has heard many times before.

Literal meaning: To lead a horse out at a trot, to display it.

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic informal

To present an argument, excuse, or piece of information that is familiar, overused, or produced routinely without fresh thought.

"Every election, politicians trot out the same promises about fixing the health service."

Grammar: separable
2 B2 idiomatic informal

To produce or display a person, especially for show or to impress others.

"The company trotted out its CEO to reassure investors after the scandal."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Almost always carries a negative or dismissive connotation, implying the thing being trotted out is stale or used for effect. Very common in political and journalistic commentary. Originates from equestrian imagery of parading a horse.

Commonly used with

excuse argument statistic celebrity claim expert

Forms

Base
trot out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
trots out
he/she/it
Past simple
troted out
yesterday
Past participle
troted out
have + pp
-ing form
troting out
continuous

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Synonyms

wheel out bring out produce drag out recycle repeat

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