drop out: Idiom Meaning and Origin

What does ‘drop out’ mean?

The idiom "drop out" means to leave a group or quit a situation, often referring to withdrawing from school or abandoning a course of action.

Idiom Explorer

The Unexpected Root

The idiom "drop off" is closely related to the phrase "drop out." "Drop off" refers to the act of leaving someone or something at a specific location. It can be used to describe dropping off a package at a post office or dropping off a friend at their house. In the context of education, "drop off" can be used to describe a student who leaves a school or program before completing it, similar to the concept of "dropping out."

He decided to abandon his education and dropout.

Another related idiom is "flunk out," which refers to failing to meet the academic requirements of a school or program and being forced to leave. It is often used to describe a student who fails multiple classes or fails to maintain a satisfactory grade point average, leading to their dismissal from the institution. While "drop out" implies a voluntary withdrawal, "flunk out" suggests a forced departure due to academic failure.

Overall, these related idioms - "drop off" and "flunk out" - highlight different aspects of discontinuation and failure within the context of education. "Drop off" relates to the voluntary act of leaving, while "flunk out" focuses on the consequences of academic failure.

Example usage

Examples of how the idiom *drop out* can be used in a sentence:

  1. She decided to drop out of college and pursue a career in music.
  2. After struggling with his grades, he made the difficult decision to drop out of high school.
  3. The company's profits are dropping out due to increased competition.

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