ENGLISH
REFERENCE

fizzle out

phr. v..
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford Informal

phr. v.. to slowly end or fail instead of finishing in a strong or clear way.

phr. v.. to gradually decrease in intensity, strength, or effectiveness until a complete cessation occurs; often used for processes, relationships, or protests.


SIMPLE

Their romance started well but soon began to fizzle out.

CONTEXTUAL

The protest started with hundreds of people, but it fizzled out when the rain began.

COMPLEX

Initial enthusiasm for the new policy fizzled out as the staff realized how much extra paperwork it would actually require.

Particles
out
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
fizzle + out
Usage

usually used for things that start with a lot of energy but lose it over time.

Teaching tip

the word 'fizzle' mimics the sound of a dying fire or a drink losing its bubbles, which helps students remember the idea of losing energy.

Pitfall

The party fizzled out it.The party fizzled out.this phrasal verb is intransitive, meaning it does not take a direct object.

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