Walk out on

Meaning

The idiom "walk out on" means to leave or abandon a situation or person suddenly, without any warning or explanation. It can also mean to reject or turn down an offer or proposal.

Usage

• She walked out on her job after only three months.
• He walks out on his friends when they ask for help.
• The company walked out on their employees during the pandemic.
• The bride walked out on the altar just as the ceremony was about to begin.
• The mayor walked out on the press conference after being asked uncomfortable questions.

Roots and History

The idiom "walk out on" has been used in English since at least the 16th century. It is believed to have originated from the practice of leaving a group or gathering suddenly, without any warning or explanation, by simply walking out the door. Over time, the meaning of the idiom has broadened to include more than just leaving physically, but also leaving emotionally or turning down an offer or proposal.

Synonyms in English

• Quit
• Abandon
• Reject
• Turn down
• Disregard

Synonyms in other languages

• French - abandonner (to abandon)
• Spanish - dejar (to leave)
• German - verlieren (to lose)
• Italian - abbandonare (to abandon)
• Portuguese - abandonar (to abandon)

Similar Idioms

• pop the question

• tie the knot

• wane