Phrasal verb
duck out
Definition
phrasal verb. to leave a place or a situation quickly or secretly, often without being noticed. You use this when you want to escape a boring meeting or leave a party early.
phrasal verb. To depart from a location or social engagement abruptly or surreptitiously. Often used to imply an avoidance of obligation or a desire for privacy.
Examples
“I usually duck out of work early on Fridays.”
“We managed to duck out of the wedding reception before the long speeches started.”
“As the debate grew increasingly hostile, several committee members chose to duck out, citing prior commitments to avoid being associated with the controversial final decision.”
Examples
simple
“I usually duck out of work early on Fridays.”
contextual
“We managed to duck out of the wedding reception before the long speeches started.”
complex
“As the debate grew increasingly hostile, several committee members chose to duck out, citing prior commitments to avoid being associated with the controversial final decision.”
Usage
Usually followed by 'of' when mentioning the place or event you are leaving.
Teaching tip
Contrast with 'slip away' or 'sneak out'; 'duck out' often implies a quick, pragmatic exit to avoid something tedious.
Pitfall
He ducked out the room.
He ducked out of the room.
When followed by a noun, the preposition 'of' is required.
Phrasal verb
Particles
out
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
duck + out
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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