stamp out
stamp out
1. Literally, to extinguish a spark or fire by stamping on it with one's feet. A noun or pronoun can be used between "stamp" and "out." We quickly stamped out the fire so that it wouldn't be seen in the night sky. An ember popped out of the fireplace and onto the rug, so I stamped it out before it set the place alight.
2. By extension, to destroy, extinguish, or kill someone or something. A noun or pronoun can be used between "stamp" and "out." Scientists from around the world are joining together in a bid to stamp out the devastating disease. The dictator vowed to stamp the rebels out once and for all.
See also: out, stamp
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
stamp a fire out
to extinguish a fire by stamping on it. Quick, stamp that fire out before it spreads. Tom stamped out the sparks before they started a fire.
See also: fire, out, stamp
stamp someone out
Sl. to get rid of or kill someone. (Fig. on stamp something out.) You just can't stamp somebody out on your own! The victim wanted to stamp out the robbers without a trial.
See also: out, stamp
stamp something out
Fig. to eliminate something. The doctors hope they can stamp cancer out. Many people think that they can stamp out evil.
See also: out, stamp
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
stamp out
Extinguish or destroy, as in The government stamped out the rebellion in a brutal way, or The police were determined to stamp out drug dealers. This metaphoric expression alludes to extinguishing a fire by trampling on it. [Mid-1800s]
See also: out, stamp
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
stamp out
v.
1. To extinguish or destroy something by or as if by trampling or stepping on it: I was able to stamp the small fire out. The government aims to stamp out poverty.
2. To produce something by application of a mold, form, or die: The baker rolled the dough and stamped out ten heart-shaped cookies. That machine stamps the coins out of the sheet metal.
See also: out, stamp
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
stamp someone out
tv. to get rid of or kill someone. (Fig. on stamp sth out.) You just can’t stamp somebody out on your own!
See also: out, someone, stamp
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
- piece out
- angle
- angling
- freshen up
- not do (someone or oneself) any favors
- involve with
- involve with (someone or something)
- involved with
- arrange for
- arrange some music for