spin out

spin out

1. Of a car, to lose control and begin spinning. We spun out when we hit that patch of ice on the turn, but thankfully we didn't crash into anything.

2. To lengthen or draw out; to prolong. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "spin" and "out." Why does the manager always spin these meetings out for such a long time? We've heard most of this already! The attorneys will try to spin out the appeals process for months if not years.

See also: out, spin

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

spin something out

to prolong something. Was there really any need to spin the whole process out so long? Why did they spin out the graduation ceremony for such a long time?

See also: out, spin

spin out

[for a vehicle] to go out of control, spinning. You nearly spun out on that last turn! Cars were spinning out all over the highway when the ice storm hit.

See also: out, spin

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

spin out

1. Protract or prolong, as in They spun out the negotiations over a period of months. This idiom alludes to drawing out a thread by spinning. [c. 1600]

2. Rotate out of control, as in The car spun out and crashed into the store window. [Mid-1900s]

See also: out, spin

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

spin out

v.

To rotate out of control, as a skidding car leaving a roadway: The car spun out on the ice and crashed into the ditch.

See also: out, spin

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs. Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.