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wring out

B1 neutral separable transitive
In simple words

To twist something wet (like a towel) so the water comes out.

Literal meaning: To twist something in opposite directions with both hands to force out the water inside.

Meanings

1 A2 neutral

To remove liquid from something wet by twisting it tightly.

"She wrung out the wet swimsuit and hung it on the line to dry."

Grammar: separable
2 B2 idiomatic informal

To obtain something from someone with great effort or pressure, often unwillingly.

"The detective managed to wring out a confession after hours of questioning."

Grammar: separable
3 B2 idiomatic neutral

To extract the maximum possible benefit, performance, or value from something.

"The engineering team tried to wring out every last bit of performance from the old engine."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Literally used with wet fabric or cloths. Figuratively used to mean extracting something (such as a confession or money) with great effort. The figurative sense has a slightly negative tone, suggesting force or pressure.

Commonly used with

cloth towel sponge confession information shirt

Forms

Base
wring out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
wrings out
he/she/it
Past simple
wringed out
yesterday
Past participle
wringed out
have + pp
-ing form
wringing out
continuous

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