bail
Translation
to bail, to bail out, to abandon
Examples
His parents bailed him out of jail.
His parents bailed him out of gaol.
He bailed on our plans at the last minute.
He bailed on our plans at the last minute.
We had to bail water out of the sinking boat.
We had to bail water out of the sinking boat.
Grammar Patterns
((sb.)) out ((of sth.)) to secure the release of (sb.) from (sth.) His family bailed him out of gaol.
((on sb./sth.)) to abandon (sb./sth.) She bailed on our date.
((sth.)) out ((of sth.)) to scoop (water) out of (sth.) We need to bail the water out of the boat.
Similar Words
Synonyms: (release) free; (abandon) ditch; (scoop) ladle
Etymology
Two origins: 'custody' from Old French 'bail', and 'bucket' from Middle French 'baille'.
Memory Tips
Think of using a 'bail' (bucket) to get someone 'out' of trouble, whether it's jail or a sinking boat.