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Region: General | Usage example: Shareholders bailed out the company after the crisis

Bail out

Meaning

Rescue someone or something from trouble, often with funds

Usage

Common in finance when a failing entity receives help

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Removing water from a boat using a bailer

Used metaphorically for rescues in the 20th century

Related Idioms

Backseat driver

Someone who gives unwanted advice about how you should do something you're doing.

Steer clear of

Avoid someone or something deliberately.

Pain in the neck

Something or someone irritating.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.