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Region: US | Usage example: He poured one out for the mentor.

Pour one out

Meaning

Honor someone absent or deceased by pouring a drink.

Usage

Used in remembrance rituals.

Origin & History

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

Street or hip-hop tradition showing respect.

Popularized in late 20th-century urban culture.

Related Idioms

Pour salt on the wound

Make someone feel worse after they are already hurt.

Butter up

Flatter someone to gain favor.

Pass the buck

Shift responsibility to someone else.

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.