grin out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grin out" is not a standard expression in written English and may not be widely recognized.
It could potentially be used in a creative or informal context to describe someone smiling broadly or expressing joy, but it is not commonly used. Example: "As the good news spread, she couldn't help but grin out at everyone around her."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"All that's left now is the image, the vision of Elvis as he was when he was 21, 22, strutting and swaggering, hanging his grin out, putting on the agony, and freewheeling through everything".

The Guardian - Music

Burnham is performing in a modest 175-seat venue, and his show is promoted by all of four posters, "one of which someone has nicked" he says (in stark contrast to the established names of the festival, whose faces grin out from every hoarding in the city).

The Guardian

He said something to the bartender, downed a beer, hitched his huge Army backpack farther up his shoulder, sent a shy grin out to the room and left.

The New York Times

And in 1964, reviewing "Much Ado About Nothing," Mr. Taubman said that as the constable Mr. Everhart "somehow pries a grin out of us even when we know every simple-minded joke that is coming".

The New York Times

When Luke and I engage in lengthy quote-offs at the dinner table, Daniel will pop in with a quiet "Lisa needs braces" in response to a call of "Dental plan!" We know we can get a sly grin out of him when we imitate Homer; he's not even afraid to give his own "D'oh!" every once in a while.

Vice

When Luke and I engage in lengthy quote-offs at the dinner table, Daniel will pop in with a quiet "Lisa needs braces" in response to a call of "Dental plan!" We know we can get a sly grin out of him when we imitate Homer; he's not even afraid to give his own "D'oh!" every once in awhile.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Faces I hadn't thought of in more than 20 years grinned out from atop giant striped collars.

The New York Times - Tech

Exhibition visitors can see the funny face grinning out at them from a 1931 painting (carrying the signature J. Seaman) featuring a montage of Steeplechase Park amusements.

The New York Times

Not Sally L.! Too many rows of them grinned out at us from their old, beaming graduation photos, faces full of life and eager promise.

The New York Times

And don't turn to page five of Metro, where the axed contestant will inevitably be grinning out at you like a big human spoiler.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

A wave of development has already washed over Cabo San Lucas; the rows of tall hotels there seem like rows of teeth in a lurid smile, grinning out over the sea.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grin out" when you want to emphasize the outward projection or visibility of a smile. This phrasing is suitable for descriptive writing where you want to create a vivid image of someone's expression.

Common error

Avoid using "grin out" in formal or professional writing, as it can sound informal or awkward. Opt for more standard phrases like "smile broadly" or "beam with joy" in such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grin out" functions as a phrasal verb construction, where "grin" is the verb, and "out" acts as a particle modifying its meaning. Based on Ludwig, the phrase describes the act of smiling broadly or projecting a smile outwards. The available examples in Ludwig also show the use of the verb grin in past tense (grinned out).

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "grin out" describes smiling broadly or projecting a smile outwards. While Ludwig notes it's not a standard expression, it appears in news and media contexts. It's considered acceptable but leaning towards informal usage. For formal settings, alternatives like "smile broadly" or "beam with joy" are preferable. Based on Ludwig's analysis, the phrase functions as a phrasal verb emphasizing the visual impact and outward projection of a smile.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

smile broadly

Focuses on the width and intensity of the smile.

beam with joy

Emphasizes the emotion behind the smile, suggesting a feeling of happiness.

grin from ear to ear

Highlights the extreme width of the smile.

flash a grin

Implies a quick, momentary smile.

break into a smile

Suggests a sudden, spontaneous smile.

sport a smile

Indicates wearing or displaying a smile.

offer a smile

Suggests giving a smile to someone.

wear a grin

Implies a sustained or constant smile.

put on a grin

Suggests forcing or faking a smile.

give a smile

Simple alternative phrasing to express smiling.

FAQs

What does "grin out" mean?

"Grin out" typically means to smile broadly or to have a smile that is very noticeable or expressive. It suggests that the smile is radiating outwards.

What can I say instead of "grin out"?

You can use alternatives like "smile broadly", "beam with joy", or "flash a grin" depending on the context.

Is "grin out" grammatically correct?

While "grin out" might not be a standard or widely recognized phrase, it is understandable and can be used in informal contexts. More formal writing might benefit from more conventional alternatives.

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

You can use "grin out" in sentences like: "Faces I hadn't thought of in more than 20 years grinned out from atop giant striped collars" or "He said something to the bartender, downed a beer, hitched his huge Army backpack farther up his shoulder, sent a shy grin out to the room and left".