spill it out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'spill it out' is used in written English, and it is an imperative sentence (i.e., a command).
You can use it when you want someone to say or reveal something, usually something that is causing discomfort or keeping secrets. For example, "Come on, spill it out - what were you two talking about?".

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

At first Cherne had been able to order smoke and spill it out without drinking it, but as things heated up, he had to drink what he ordered.

The New York Times

She is very reserved, so try keeping your thoughts only to you and make people want to know you better; don't spill it out to them.

WikiHow

They soak up rainwater, then spill it out lower down to feed rivers".

The Guardian

So, spill it out.

Huffington Post

Usually, if these fellas were my friends, I'd tell them to spill it out.

Vice

Spill it out.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The heads of the thieves snap aside so violently when they rush out of the bank door toward her that they stumble and drop what they're carrying, spilling it out on the street.

The New Yorker

Start slow, don't spill it all out in one sentence.

WikiHow

Even if you have to pay a counselor, get someone's non-judgmental ear on side so that you can spill it all out now and then.

WikiHow

When you are a minority there is always so much to say - and when you are given an opportunity, you can't help but spill it all out.

The Guardian

It's a complex matrix of deceit and criminality – difficult to follow, sometimes, in the way the book spills it all out – but one which shocks in its revelation of how many are complicit.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "spill it out" in informal settings when you want someone to reveal information they may be hesitant to share.

Common error

Avoid using "spill it out" in professional emails or academic papers. Opt for more formal alternatives like "reveal" or "disclose."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spill it out" functions as an imperative, directly urging someone to reveal information. As Ludwig AI explains, it is a command, prompting disclosure. The examples show its use in demanding or encouraging someone to share something they're holding back.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

43%

News & Media

43%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "spill it out" is an imperative expression used to urge someone to reveal information, typically in informal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness as a command. While the phrase appears in news and media, it's more commonly found in casual conversation due to its direct tone. If a more formal tone is needed, alternatives like "reveal the information" should be considered. While grammatically sound and understandable, remember the context where it is used, as it might be too informal in certain circumstances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

out with it

Similar in tone, but more abrupt.

come clean

Suggests revealing something previously hidden or potentially negative.

reveal the information

More formal and less colloquial.

lay it on me

More casual and may imply a willingness to hear bad news.

divulge the secret

More formal and emphasizes the concealed nature of the information.

tell me everything

Broader, implying a desire for complete disclosure.

give me the details

Focuses on receiving specific information.

open up

Implies sharing personal feelings or thoughts.

get it off your chest

Specifically refers to relieving oneself of a burden by speaking.

unburden yourself

Suggests emotional relief through sharing.

FAQs

What does "spill it out" mean?

The phrase "spill it out" is an idiomatic expression that means to reveal information, often something that is being kept secret or causing discomfort.

When is it appropriate to use "spill it out"?

It's appropriate to use "spill it out" in informal settings with friends or acquaintances when you want them to share information with you. It's not appropriate for formal or professional situations.

What can I say instead of "spill it out"?

You can use alternatives like "out with it", "tell me everything", or "reveal the information" depending on the context.

Is "spill it out" grammatically correct?

Yes, "spill it out" is grammatically correct as an imperative sentence, which is a command or request.