sell someone out
sell out
1. To betray one for a personal benefit. A noun or pronoun can be used between "sell" and "out." Part of the discontentment among voters comes from the sentiment that those in government sold them out when the economy collapsed. Jacob sold out the others to the police so that he would avoid jail time.
2. Of a stock of something, to become completely depleted due to every item having been sold. The concert tickets sold out in a matter of minutes. The new smartphone is selling out faster than we expected.
3. To abandon or betray one's espoused principles or cause, especially in the pursuit of profit or personal benefit. Many of his fans felt he sold out when he signed with a major record label. That's it? One hard month and you're ready to sell out and get a corporate job?
See also: out, sell
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
sell someone out
tv. to betray someone. How could you sell me out like that?
See also: out, sell, someone
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
- sell out
- sellout
- sold out
- angle
- angling
- not do (someone or oneself) any favors
- involve with
- involve with (someone or something)
- involved with
- arrange for some time