bolt out

USAGE SUMMARY

"bolt out" is a valid part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that moved very quickly. E.g. The frightened cat bolted out of the room as soon as it heard a loud noise.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"In the middle of dinner, he'd hear about something, and he'd bolt out to report it," Mr. Bart said.

The New York Times - Arts

He opened the door and though they usually bolt out, they just stared at him then went to lay down.

Los Angeles Times

Better to allow the writing to bolt out at first -- to be gathered and groomed and artfully tamed later.

HuffPost

Individuals would suddenly bolt out of their seats.

The Washington Post

Ms. James could get up at 3 50 and bolt out the door.

The New York Times

I had exactly enough time to pay, purchase and bolt out the door.

Huffington Post

You bolt out of your classroom, wading through a tidal wave of shuffling, somnambulant pylons.

Huffington Post

Occasionally they'd manage to get loose and bolt out of the truck.

Vice

I miss my alarm, brush my teeth, throw on my outfit, grab the trash and bolt out the door.

Huffington Post

Tense and shaky, or sullen and defiant, patients sometimes experience the urge to bolt out of the room.

Huffington Post

But before you bolt out of your office for an early sandwich, consider that the midday meal has a different meaning among the population studied.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bolt out" to vividly describe a sudden and rapid movement, often driven by surprise, fear, or urgency. This emphasizes the speed and abruptness of the action.

Common error

Avoid using "bolt out" to describe slow or deliberate movements. This phrase is best suited for situations where speed and spontaneity are key elements.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "bolt out" primarily functions as an intransitive verb, describing a subject's quick and sudden movement from a specific location. Ludwig examples confirm this usage, showing individuals or animals rapidly exiting a place.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bolt out" is a common phrasal verb used to describe a sudden and rapid movement from a place. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and identifies its function as portraying urgency or surprise. Its usage is most frequent in News & Media, with a neutral formality. For alternative expressions, consider "rush out", "dash out", or "sprint out" to achieve a similar effect. When writing, reserve "bolt out" for situations where the speed and spontaneity of the movement are critical.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dart out

Emphasizes the quick, sudden nature of the movement, like a dart being thrown.

rush out

Highlights the speed and urgency of exiting a place.

dash out

Suggests a quick and energetic movement outward.

sprint out

Specifically implies running quickly to exit.

flee

Indicates a hurried escape, often from danger or an unpleasant situation.

scamper out

Suggests a light and rapid movement, often used for small animals or children.

tear out

Implies a forceful and rapid exit, as if ripping away.

hurry out

Stresses the need to be quick when leaving.

escape quickly

Highlights the act of escaping in a rapid manner.

burst out

Suggests a sudden and forceful exit, often with energy or emotion.

FAQs

How can I use "bolt out" in a sentence?

You can use "bolt out" to describe a sudden and rapid movement. For example, "The cat "darted out" of the room when it heard the thunder."

What's a synonym for "bolt out"?

Synonyms for "bolt out" include "rush out", "dash out", and "sprint out". Each emphasizes the speed and suddenness of the movement.

Is it correct to say "bolted out of"?

Yes, "bolted out of" is a grammatically correct construction. For example, "He "rushed out" of the building."

What is the difference between "bolt out" and "bolt"?

"Bolt" can be a noun (a metal fastener) or a verb (to secure with a bolt or to move suddenly and rapidly). "Bolt out" is a phrasal verb that specifically means to move suddenly and quickly out of a place, similar to "dart out" or "rush out".