English Reference

Phrasal verb

gut out

Definition

phrasal verb. to keep going through a very difficult or painful situation until it is finished. You use this when you need a lot of mental or physical strength to reach the end.

phrasal verb. to persevere through a challenging, painful, or tedious experience by exercising willpower. The verb is transitive and frequently takes the dummy pronoun 'it' as a direct object.

Examples

“You have to gut out the final week of the semester.”

“Even though her legs were cramping, she managed to gut out the final set of the tennis match to win the trophy.”

“Despite the overwhelming exhaustion and the psychological toll of the expedition, the team resolved to gut out the remaining ascent before the storm arrived.”

Examples

simple

“You have to gut out the final week of the semester.”

contextual

“Even though her legs were cramping, she managed to gut out the final set of the tennis match to win the trophy.”

complex

“Despite the overwhelming exhaustion and the psychological toll of the expedition, the team resolved to gut out the remaining ascent before the storm arrived.”

Usage

often used with 'it' as a dummy object to mean 'endure the situation'.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'tough it out'; 'gut out' implies a more visceral, physical level of determination often found in sports contexts.

Phrasal verb

Particles

out

Separability

optional

Pattern

gut + (object) + out

Synonyms

tough it outstick it outpersevereendure

Antonyms

give upquitsurrender

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
Level
C1 · Advanced
Updated

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English Reference