SHELL OUT Meaning and
Definition
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Shell out is a phrasal verb that means to spend money, especially in a generous or significant manner. It refers to the act of parting with one's money, often reluctantly or unexpectedly, to make a payment for a product, service, or expense. The term "shell out" implies the idea of handing over money, like removing it from a protective shell, to someone or something.
When someone shells out money, they typically pay a considerable amount or a larger sum than expected. It suggests that the payment requires some effort or sacrifices on the part of the individual. The term often conveys a sense of financial burden or an unexpected expense that needs to be fulfilled. For instance, an individual might have to shell out a significant amount of money for car repairs or to purchase an expensive item.
The phrase "shell out" can also carry a connotation of generosity or support. It can indicate a willingness to go beyond one's usual spending limits for a particular cause or to provide aid to someone in need. In this context, shelling out money suggests a voluntary and often appreciated act of helping others.
Overall, "shell out" refers to the act of spending money, particularly in a sizable or unexpected manner, and can connote both a financial burden and an act of generosity.
Common Misspellings for SHELL OUT
- ahell out
- zhell out
- xhell out
- dhell out
- ehell out
- whell out
- sgell out
- sbell out
- snell out
- sjell out
- suell out
- syell out
- shwll out
- shsll out
- shdll out
- shrll out
- sh4ll out
- sh3ll out
- shekl out
Etymology of SHELL OUT
The phrase "shell out" is derived from two separate terms.
Firstly, the word "shell" comes from Old English "scele" or "sceala", which referred to a protective covering, such as a husk or a pod. Over time, "shell" took on additional figurative meanings, including denoting a hard exterior or outer layer.
Secondly, the term "out" in this context means to distribute or spend money. It originated from Middle English "oute", derived from Old English "ūtan" meaning outwards or away. Eventually, "out" developed the sense of an expenditure or disbursement.
Therefore, "shell out" as a phrase emerged as a combination of these two terms, referring to the act of distributing or spending money, often with a sense of reluctance or discontent, comparable to the idea of shedding a protective covering.
Idioms with the word SHELL OUT
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shell out sth
To "shell out something" means to spend or pay a large sum of money, often unwillingly or reluctantly. It implies a significant expense or a substantial outlay of funds.
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shell out (an amount of money)
The idiom "shell out (an amount of money)" means to pay or hand over a specific amount of money, usually reluctantly or begrudgingly. It implies the act of spending money, often in a significant or noticeable manner.
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shell out
To "shell out" means to spend or pay money, often reluctantly or in a large amount.
Similar spelling words for SHELL OUT
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