Phrasal verb
sell out
Meanings
to sell all of the available items or tickets so that none are left
to abandon your principles or loyalty in return for money, status, or personal advantage
Definition
To sell out means to sell all of something so none is left.
To sell out most commonly means that all available items or tickets are sold and nothing remains. It often refers to products in a store or seats for an event. It can also mean agreeing to something for money or advantage in a way people see as betraying your values.
Examples
- The limited-edition sneakers sold out in ten minutes.
- I tried to buy tickets, but they sold out before I got to the checkout.
- Her handmade candles always sell out at the weekend market.
- They refused to sell out just to get a bigger sponsor.
Common mistake
Learners often say "sold off" when they mean "sold out" for items that are no longer available.
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.