leap out at
phr. v.. B1 Intermediate Oxford
phr. v.. to jump out suddenly, often surprising someone or something.
phr. v.. to move suddenly and forcefully in the direction of something; often used to describe something that appears unexpectedly or strikes someone visually.
A bird leaped out at me from the bushes.
The advertisement leaped out at me as I walked past the bus stop.
The sudden movement of the shadow leaped out at him, causing him to freeze in fear.
- Particles
- out at
- Separability
- inseparable
- Pattern
- leap + out + at + object
Usage
typically followed by a direct object indicating what is leaping or the target of the leap.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'jump out at' (similar but less intense) and 'spring out at' (more sudden); 'leap' implies greater force or height than 'jump'.