bail out

verb bails out · bailing out · bailed out · bale out

1. transitive To secure the release of an arrested person by providing bail money.
2. transitive To remove water from a boat by scooping it out. But it passed, leaving us up to our knees in water. 'Bail out! bail out!' shouted Job, suiting the action to the word.
3. idiomatic, transitive To rescue, especially financially. Once again, the industry got itself in trouble and government had to bail it out.
4. intransitive, usually, with of To exit an aircraft while in flight. Make sure your parachute harness is securely fastened before you bail out!
5. idiomatic, intransitive, slang To leave (or not attend at all) a place or a situation, especially quickly or when the situation has become undesirable; to abandon (something). I'm going to bail out of class today.
6. idiomatic, intransitive, slang, with on To abandon (someone) when that person faces difficulties. When I got arrested, she bailed out on me.
7. colloquial, idiomatic, intransitive, with of To sell all or part of one's holdings in stocks, real estate, a business, etc. I'm going to bail out of stocks and buy gold instead.
8. intransitive, with of To make an unscheduled voluntary termination of an underwater dive, usually implying the use of an alternative breathing gas supply.
9. idiomatic, transitive To fail badly; to fall off a skateboard.
10. idiomatic, intransitive To abandon one's surfboard when faced with a large or perilous wave.