Tap out
phrasal verb
Admitting defeat, to stop fighting or competing because you know that you cannot win.
He had to tap out after his opponent had him in a choke hold.
Often appears as...
- tap out in a match
- fight till tap out
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
phrasal verb
To use up all the resources, to deplete.
John had to tap out his savings to cover the medical bills.
Often appears as...
- tap out savings
- tap out resources
Usage tips
Disapproving
phrasal verb
In automatic transmissions, to manually shift gears.
You can tap out gear changes in a sequential manner using the shift lever.
Often appears as...
- tap out gear changes
- tap out shifts
Usage tips
Technical
phrasal verb
To produce a rhythm, tune or signal by hitting a surface lightly and quickly.
She started to tap out a beat on the table with her fingers.
Often appears as...
- tap out a rhythm
- tap out a beat
phrasal verb
Admitting defeat, to stop fighting or competing because you know that you cannot win.
He had to tap out after his opponent had him in a choke hold.
Often appears as...
- tap out in a match
- fight till tap out
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
phrasal verb
To use up all the resources, to deplete.
John had to tap out his savings to cover the medical bills.
Often appears as...
- tap out savings
- tap out resources
Usage tips
Disapproving
phrasal verb
In automatic transmissions, to manually shift gears.
You can tap out gear changes in a sequential manner using the shift lever.
Often appears as...
- tap out gear changes
- tap out shifts
Usage tips
Technical
phrasal verb
To produce a rhythm, tune or signal by hitting a surface lightly and quickly.
She started to tap out a beat on the table with her fingers.
Often appears as...
- tap out a rhythm
- tap out a beat
Definition 1 of 4
Pro Tip 1/3Combat Origin
Originally from martial arts, 'tap out' means admitting defeat by tapping the opponent's body.
Watching the championship, I saw the fighter tap out to avoid injury.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphoric Use
Figuratively, 'tap out' can indicate a person is completely overwhelmed or giving up.
I had to tap out after studying for 12 hours straight.
Pro Tip 3/3Informal Setting
'Tap out' is casual and usually not used in formal contexts.
After the long hike, she jokingly said she was ready to tap out.
Pro Tip 1/3Combat Origin
Originally from martial arts, 'tap out' means admitting defeat by tapping the opponent's body.
Watching the championship, I saw the fighter tap out to avoid injury.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphoric Use
Figuratively, 'tap out' can indicate a person is completely overwhelmed or giving up.
I had to tap out after studying for 12 hours straight.
Pro Tip 3/3Informal Setting
'Tap out' is casual and usually not used in formal contexts.
After the long hike, she jokingly said she was ready to tap out.
Pro Tip 1/3Combat Origin
Originally from martial arts, 'tap out' means admitting defeat by tapping the opponent's body.
Watching the championship, I saw the fighter tap out to avoid injury.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphoric Use
Figuratively, 'tap out' can indicate a person is completely overwhelmed or giving up.
I had to tap out after studying for 12 hours straight.
Pro Tip 3/3Informal Setting
'Tap out' is casual and usually not used in formal contexts.
After the long hike, she jokingly said she was ready to tap out.
Never forget "Tap out"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension