wash out

wash someone out

Fig. to deplete the strength or vitality of someone. The flu really washed me out. The disease washed out the whole class.

See also: out, wash

wash something out 

1. to wash out the inside of something; to wash something made of fabric. I have to wash my socks out tonight. Wash the pitcher out before you put it away. I will wash out my socks tomorrow.

2. Fig. to rain on or flood an event so that it must be canceled. (Fig. on {2}.) Rain washed the game out. The storm washed out the picnic.

3. to wash or erode something out or away. The flood washed the new bushes out. The rains washed out the paving stones.

See also: out, wash

wash out 

1. Inf. to fail and be removed from something, such as school. I studied all I could, but I still washed out. I don't want to wash out. It's my whole future.

2. Inf. to have a serious wreck; to wipe out. The little car washed out on the curve. The vehicles have a tendency to wash out when cornering.

3. Inf. to lose a large amount of money. Fred washed out on that stock deal. Lefty and Willie washed out at the racetrack.

4. Inf. to break down or collapse from exhaustion. The whole play began to wash out during the second act. It was a lost cause by the third. Finally, after a long day, I just washed out. They had to call the paramedics.

See also: out, wash

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wash out (something) also wash something out

to cause an activity or event not to happen because of rain Even the golf tournament was washed out this week. Storms washed the picnic out.

See also: out, wash

wash out (of something)

to leave a program or activity because you failed to meet its standards I didn't make it through flight school - I washed out. After washing out of the military academy, he joined his father's business.

See also: out, wash