ENGLISH
REFERENCE

bottom out

idiom
Meaning

Of a vehicle, to touch or drag along the ground or other surface.


Examples
SIMPLE

The car will bottom out on this steep driveway.

CONTEXTUAL

The road was so uneven that the heavy truck started to bottom out in the deep ruts.

COMPLEX

As the overloaded vehicle navigated the treacherous, cratered mountain pass, it frequently bottomed out against the jagged rocks, causing significant damage to the chassis.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    bet one's bottom dollar

    To be absolutely sure of something; to be certain enough of something to wager everything.

  2. 02

    bottom dollar

    The last of one's money; all of one's money.

  3. 03

    bottom fishing

    Buying, or seeking opportunities to buy, investment securities or other valuable properties at a time when markets are depressed and prices are low.

  4. 04

    bottom line

    The summary or result; the most important information.

  5. 05

    bottom of the line

    The worst or lowest quality on the market, especially among a range of products.

  6. 06

    bottom of the ninth

    By extension, any last chance or final opportunity.

  7. 07

    bottom the house

    To clean a house from top to bottom; to clean a house extremely thoroughly.

  8. 08

    get to the bottom of

    To come to understand, discover the truth about, or solve.

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