splash out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "splash out" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an informal phrase which usually means to spend a lot of money on something, usually for a special occasion. For example: "We decided to splash out on a fancy dinner for our anniversary."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Splash out, buy a lemon.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Go ahead, splash out and splash on!

The New York Times

Or splash out on Aquascutum's updated classic.

Independent

You occasionally splash out on something pricey?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Splash out now, for next spring's extravaganza.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This is a conversation-starting piece to splash out on.

Independent

Alternatively, splash out on some good garden furniture.

Independent

Deciding which ones to splash out on is tricky.

The Economist

Or for you to splash out on that new car?

The Economist

She doesn't splash out on that kind of scale.

The Guardian - Music

We know they will all splash out now.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "splash out" to describe spending on something enjoyable but not strictly necessary. For example, "I decided to splash out on a new laptop."

Common error

Avoid using "splash out" for essential purchases like groceries or rent. The phrase implies discretionary spending on luxuries or treats.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "splash out" functions as an intransitive verb, describing the act of spending money freely and often extravagantly. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is an informal way to express discretionary spending.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "splash out" means to spend money freely, often on something luxurious or non-essential. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and widespread acceptance. It is most commonly found in News & Media sources and has an informal tone, signaling discretionary spending rather than covering necessities. When writing, remember to use "splash out" in contexts that emphasize the enjoyable nature of the purchase. Alternatives such as "splurge" or "indulge" can be used for a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spend lavishly

Emphasizes the excessive nature of the spending.

indulge in

Focuses on the pleasure and gratification derived from the purchase.

treat oneself

Highlights the act of rewarding oneself with a purchase.

spend freely

Indicates a lack of restraint in spending.

go on a spending spree

Suggests an impulsive and uncontrolled burst of spending.

make a splurge

Highlights a significant, but not necessarily excessive, expenditure.

drop a bundle

Conveys spending a large sum of money.

shell out

Implies reluctance or obligation in spending money.

fork over

Suggests an unwilling or forced payment.

invest in

Focuses on the long-term value and return on investment.

FAQs

How to use "splash out" in a sentence?

You can use "splash out" to describe spending money on something luxurious or not essential, like "We decided to "treat ourselves" and splash out on a fancy dinner".

What can I say instead of "splash out"?

Alternatives include "splurge", "indulge", or "spend lavishly" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "splash out on necessities"?

No, "splash out" implies spending on luxuries or non-essential items. It would be more appropriate to use phrases like "spend money on" or "invest in" for necessities.

What's the difference between "splash out" and "save up"?

"Splash out" means to spend money freely, often on something enjoyable, whereas "save up" means to accumulate money over time for a specific purpose.