tunnel out

USAGE SUMMARY

"tunnel out" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe the act of digging or creating a tunnel to escape from a confined or restricted space. Example: The prisoners spent months scheming and digging, finally managing to tunnel out of their cell and escape into the night.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

But the film itself is so crude and overstretched, it's a wonder she didn't attempt to tunnel out before the credits rolled.

The Guardian - Film

Down below, the Phillips were trying to tunnel out by shoveling snow by the front door into the cabin.

Los Angeles Times

López claimed that after Chapo was recaptured in 2016, he paid a $2 million bribe to the chief of Mexico's prison system and was planning to tunnel out again until he was extradited to New York to stand trial.

Vice

I can also tunnel out the other side".

The New Yorker

"I once dug a little tunnel out into the road for the cameras.

The Guardian

Mr. James made at least seven unsuccessful attempts to tunnel out of that camp.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

The Confederates tunneled out and escaped in November 1863, returning to Confederate lines in Tennessee by Christmas.

The New York Times

"If I'm not discharged today, I'm tunnelling out," he said, and he was discharged.

The Guardian

Three months later, while awaiting trial, he tunneled out with eight other prisoners.

The New York Times

Once there, he tunnelled out, and made it to the Baltic coast.

The Guardian

Lawes's principles underwent their severest test in 1941 when three inmates tunneled out, killing a guard and an Ossining police officer during their getaway.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tunnel out" to vividly describe a clandestine escape or the creation of a hidden passage, particularly when physical effort and persistence are involved.

Common error

Avoid using "tunnel out" metaphorically when the context doesn't involve literal digging or creating a physical passage. Opt for phrases like "break free" or "find a way out" in abstract scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "tunnel out" is that of a phrasal verb. It combines the verb "tunnel" with the particle "out" to create a distinct meaning: to escape by digging a tunnel. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

16%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tunnel out" is a grammatically correct phrasal verb that describes escaping by digging a tunnel. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is well-established and versatile, appearing in contexts ranging from news reports to scientific articles. While generally neutral in tone, it's advisable to consider more formal alternatives in academic writing. The examples in Ludwig also suggest it's predominantly used in news and media, highlighting its applicability in various scenarios where persistence and clandestine effort are involved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dig out

This alternative focuses on the physical action of excavation.

burrow out

Implies creating a passage like an animal burrowing.

excavate an escape route

More formal and emphasizes the planning of the escape.

create an underground passage

Focuses on the creation of the tunnel itself.

escape through a tunnel

Highlights the act of escaping rather than the creation of the tunnel.

dig a tunnel to freedom

Emphasizes the goal of escape and liberty.

make a subterranean exit

More elaborate and describes a hidden escape.

bore a tunnel

Highlights the action of boring or drilling through something.

carve a path underground

Emphasizes the effort and artistry involved.

undermine and escape

Focuses on undermining the structure to enable escape.

FAQs

How is "tunnel out" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "tunnel out" is used to describe the act of creating a tunnel for escape, often from a confined or restricted space. For example, "The prisoners managed to tunnel out of their cells using spoons".

What are some alternatives to "tunnel out"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "dig out", "burrow out", or "excavate an escape route".

Is "tunnel out" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "tunnel out" might be perceived as less formal. In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "excavate an escape route" or "create an underground passage" for a more sophisticated tone.

Can "tunnel out" be used metaphorically?

While primarily used literally, "tunnel out" can be used metaphorically to describe overcoming obstacles with persistence and hidden effort. However, ensure the context aligns with the imagery of digging or creating a passage. Use "find a way out" if the digging imagery is not relevant.