The term “bailed out” is a phrase that has become increasingly common in recent years. It is used to describe a situation in which someone or something is rescued from a difficult or dangerous situation. In this article, we will explore the meaning and origins of this phrase, as well as its associations, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
The term “bailed out” has a variety of definitions. At its most basic level, it refers to the act of providing financial assistance to someone or something that is in trouble. This can take the form of a loan, a grant, or some other type of financial support.
In addition to its financial connotations, the term “bailed out” can also refer to the act of rescuing someone from a dangerous or difficult situation. This might involve providing them with shelter, food, or other basic necessities.
Origin
The phrase “bailed out” has its origins in the world of aviation. In the early days of flight, pilots would often carry a bailer, which was a bucket used to remove water from the cockpit in the event of a crash landing in water. If a pilot needed to make an emergency landing, they would bail out of the plane using a parachute.
Over time, the phrase “bailed out” came to be used more broadly to describe any situation in which someone was rescued from a difficult or dangerous situation.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, “bailed out” means “to rescue (someone or something) from a difficult or dangerous situation.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “to provide financial assistance to a failing business or organization.”
Associations
The term “bailed out” is often associated with financial crises, particularly those involving large corporations or financial institutions. In recent years, for example, many banks and other financial institutions have been bailed out by governments in order to prevent them from collapsing.
The phrase is also associated with acts of heroism, particularly in the context of emergency situations. Firefighters, for example, might be said to have “bailed out” someone from a burning building.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for “bailed out” include rescued, saved, assisted, helped, and supported.
Antonyms
Antonyms for “bailed out” might include abandoned, left behind, ignored, or neglected.
The same root words
The phrase “bailed out” does not have any obvious root words, as it is a compound phrase made up of two separate words (“bailed” and “out”).
Example Sentences
Here are a few example sentences that use the phrase “bailed out”:
- The government bailed out the struggling airline with a massive loan.
- The firefighters bravely bailed out the family from the burning building.
- After his car broke down on a remote road, John was bailed out by a passing motorist who gave him a lift to the nearest town.
The phrase “bailed out” is a versatile term that can be used to describe a variety of situations in which someone or something is rescued from a difficult or dangerous situation. Whether it refers to financial crises or acts of heroism, the phrase has become a common part of the English language.