bug out
bug out
1. To become very stressed or scared. Don't bug out about the flat tire—I'm calling a tow truck right now. She's bugging out about the wedding again, so go in there and tell her that everything will be OK.
2. To widen. Typically used to describe someone's eyes (especially in moments of surprise, panic, etc.). Nancy's eyes bugged out when she saw that the dining room ceiling had collapsed.
3. To leave a place hastily. We bugged out of the party when we heard sirens approaching.
4. To leave a location or retreat, as of military troops. We've been told to bug out before sundown.
See also: bug, out
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
bug out
1. Sl. to pack up and leave or retreat. Orders are to bug out by oh-nine-hundred. Okay, everybody, move it! We're bugging out.
2. Sl. to get out of somewhere fast. I gotta find a way to bug out of here without getting caught. Okay, the downpour has stopped. Let's bug out.
See also: bug, out
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
bug out
1. Bulge, as in The news will make her eyes bug out with astonishment. This expression was originally used literally for bulging eyes and later used more loosely as a sign of astonishment. [Colloquial; mid-1800s]
2. Leave, run out, as in This conference is a bore; I think I'll bug out. This usage originated as military slang for deserting and today is used more loosely. [Slang; c. 1950]
See also: bug, out
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
bug out
v.
1. To grow large; bulge outward: Your eyes will bug out when you see my new car.
2. Slang To leave some place, usually in a hurry: They made it clear they didn't want me there, so I bugged out.
3. Slang To be frightened or confused: I'm afraid of the dark, so I was bugging out during the blackout.
4. Slang To cause someone to be frightened or confused: The thought of surgery bugs me out.
See also: bug, out
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
bug out
1. in. to pack up and retreat. (Military, Korean War.) Orders are to bug out by oh-nine-hundred.
2. in. to get out of somewhere fast. I gotta find a way to bug out of here without getting caught.
See also: bug, out
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
- bug off
- Bug off!
- tow in
- slug bug
- loon
- take away
- take it away
- a race against time/the clock
- crazy as a betsy bug