Bail out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Bail out" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts where someone is providing assistance or financial support to help someone else out of a difficult situation. Example: "When the company faced bankruptcy, the government decided to bail out the struggling business to save jobs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

You bail out the banks.

The New York Times

I don't bail out".

The New York Times - Sports

We shouldn't bail out the banks.

The New York Times

Would they bail out their troubled neighbors?

The New York Times

You bail out the weak European governments.

The New York Times

So bail out now if you want.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Take Sweden's bank bail-out.

The Economist

But a bail-out looks likely.

The Economist

And a multibillion-dollar bail-out.

The Economist

See articleUBS also got a bail-out.

The Economist

It did not need a bail-out.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bail out" judiciously, as it often carries a negative connotation, particularly in financial contexts, suggesting mismanagement or failure.

Common error

Avoid using "bail out" vaguely. Always specify what is being rescued – a company, an individual, or a project – to prevent ambiguity and ensure clarity in your communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bail out" primarily functions as a phrasal verb, meaning to assist someone or something from a difficult situation, often involving financial aid. Ludwig confirms this usage, providing numerous examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bail out" is a commonly used phrasal verb that signifies providing assistance, particularly financial, to rescue someone or something from a dire situation. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted, especially in news and media contexts. While it can sometimes carry negative connotations, it often describes necessary interventions to prevent further collapse. When using "bail out", ensure clarity by specifying what or whom is being rescued and considering the potential implications of its usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rescue financially

Focuses specifically on the financial aspect of providing assistance.

provide a financial safety net

Emphasizes the protective aspect of financial assistance.

extend financial aid

Highlights the act of offering help in the form of money.

offer a bailout

A more direct synonym, emphasizing the act of providing a bailout.

withdraw from the situation

Implies leaving or exiting a difficult situation.

extract oneself

Suggests a personal effort to remove oneself from a predicament.

abandon ship

An idiomatic expression meaning to leave a failing enterprise.

escape from a problem

Focuses on the act of getting away from a problematic scenario.

pull out

A simpler way to say to withdraw or exit.

cut one's losses

Indicates stopping an activity to avoid further losses.

FAQs

How is "bail out" used in financial contexts?

In finance, "bail out" typically refers to providing financial assistance to a company or country that is on the brink of collapse. This can involve loans, investments, or guarantees to prevent a larger economic crisis.

What are some alternatives to "bail out" when referring to financial rescue?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "financial rescue", "financial assistance", or "government intervention" to describe a financial "bail out".

Is "bail out" always used in a negative way?

While "bail out" can carry a negative connotation due to its association with failure or mismanagement, it is not always negative. Sometimes, it can be seen as a necessary measure to prevent wider economic damage.

What's the difference between "bail out" and "rescue"?

"Bail out" is often specific to financial assistance, particularly in dire situations, while "rescue" has a broader meaning and can refer to any form of assistance or saving from danger.