leak out
phrasal verb.phrasal verb. to escape or become known accidentally — often used for liquids, information, or secrets.
phrasal verb. to escape from a container or become publicly known unintentionally; typically intransitive but can take a direct object when specifying what is escaping.
The water leaked out of the broken pipe.
The company tried to keep the merger secret, but details leaked out through an employee.
The confidential report leaked out months before the official announcement, causing a media frenzy.
Usage
often used with a direct object to specify what is escaping or being revealed.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'leak' (without 'out') which focuses on the act of escaping, while 'leak out' emphasizes the result or completion of the escape.
Last updated April 24, 2026