they made out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they made out" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a romantic or sexual encounter where two people kiss passionately or engage in intimate physical contact. Example: "After the party, they made out in the backseat of the car, lost in their own world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

"Basically, they made out like bandits".

The New York Times

You might say they made out like bandits.

The New York Times

"They made out pretty well," Mr. Thomas said.

The New York Times

He hadn't hit anyone, but they made out where he was, then climbed up there.

The New York Times

They sold the seed to the white oystermen, and they made out all right.

The New Yorker

"They made out like bandits," said Mr. Kermaier, 33, a software engineer.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

They make out like the SNP are the same as Ukip but they're not.

The Guardian

The children don't receive presents exactly, but they make out like bandits nonetheless.

The New York Times

Was it me, or were they making out that everyone in San Pedro is racist?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

They make out like bandits while the rest of us are being taken to the cleaners".

The Guardian - Film

They make out taking drugs is good and set a stereotype about black youngsters.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they made out" to describe a romantic encounter, ensure the context is appropriate for your audience. It is generally suitable for informal settings or narratives, but may be too casual for formal or professional contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "they made out" in formal business or academic writing to describe financial success. While the phrase can mean "to profit," it's more commonly associated with romantic encounters. Opt for clearer, more professional terms like "they profited" or "they gained significantly".

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "they made out" functions primarily as an intransitive verb phrase. It describes an action performed by the subject ("they") without directly acting upon an object. As Ludwig AI confirms, it denotes either a passionate kissing or, idiomatically, achieving significant gain.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

6%

Reference

6%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "they made out" primarily serves to describe intimate encounters or, less frequently, significant financial gains. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically sound and usable. While versatile, context dictates its appropriateness, leaning towards informal narratives rather than formal discourse. Alternatives such as "they kissed passionately" or "they profited handsomely" may be more suitable in certain scenarios. Remember to consider your audience and the intended message to ensure clarity and relevance. The phrase is common in News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they had a make-out session

A more casual and direct way to express the act of making out.

they kissed passionately

Focuses on the intense kissing aspect, emphasizing the romantic connection.

they were intimate

A more general term, suggesting a deeper level of physical or emotional connection.

they engaged in heavy petting

Specifically indicates physical intimacy short of intercourse.

they cleaned up

Informal way of saying they made a lot of money or achieved a great success.

they profited handsomely

Shifts the meaning to achieving significant financial gain, like in "they made out like bandits".

they scored big

Emphasizes a significant achievement or success, often in a competitive context.

they came out ahead

Implies achieving a successful or advantageous position.

they prospered greatly

Highlights the idea of thriving and achieving significant success.

they reaped the rewards

Focuses on receiving the benefits of previous actions or circumstances.

FAQs

How can I use "they made out" in a sentence?

You can use "they made out" to describe a romantic encounter (e.g., "After the dance, "they made out" in the car") or, less commonly, to indicate someone profited significantly (e.g., "They made out like bandits during the sale").

What's a less suggestive way to say "they made out"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "they kissed passionately", "they were intimate", or if referring to financial gain, "they profited handsomely".

Is it appropriate to use "they made out" in formal writing?

Generally, no. "They made out" is considered informal and is best suited for casual conversations, narratives, or informal writing. For formal contexts, choose more precise and less suggestive language.

What does it mean when someone says "they made out like bandits"?

This idiom means that someone profited greatly or gained an unfair advantage. The "like bandits" emphasizes the scale and possibly the questionable nature of the profit.