Phrasal verb
skip out
Definition
phrasal verb. to leave a place or a situation quickly, often to avoid doing work or paying for something. You use this when someone leaves secretly or without telling anyone first.
phrasal verb. to depart a location or obligation abruptly, typically to evade a responsibility, a debt, or a social commitment. The register is informal and often carries a negative connotation of avoidance or lack of reliability.
Examples
“He decided to skip out on the meeting to go to the beach.”
“The guests tried to skip out on the bill, but the waiter caught them before they reached the exit.”
“Several board members chose to skip out early, leaving the remaining directors to debate the controversial merger without a full quorum.”
Examples
simple
“He decided to skip out on the meeting to go to the beach.”
contextual
“The guests tried to skip out on the bill, but the waiter caught them before they reached the exit.”
complex
“Several board members chose to skip out early, leaving the remaining directors to debate the controversial merger without a full quorum.”
Usage
Often used with the preposition 'on' followed by the activity or obligation being avoided.
Teaching tip
Contrast with 'leave' (neutral) and 'sneak out' (emphasizes secrecy); 'skip out' specifically emphasizes the avoidance of a duty or cost.
Pitfall
He skipped out the bill.
He skipped out on the bill.
When 'skip out' is used with a direct object representing the obligation, the preposition 'on' is required.
Phrasal verb
Particles
out
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
skip + out (+ on + object)
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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