1
general::
Phrase(s): make out (with someone or something)
1. to manage to do something with someone or something. • I think I can make out with this hammer. • If I can’t make out with a crew of four, I’ll have to ask for more help. 2. Go to make out (with someone)., Phrase(s): make out (with someone)
to kiss and pet with someone. • All evening long, he was trying to make out with me. • Sharon was trying to make out with Bill., Phrase(s): make something out
to see, read, or hear something well enough to understand it. • What did you say? I couldn’t quite make it out. • Can you make out what he is saying?
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
1. Discern or see, especially with difficulty, as in I can hardly make out the number on the door. [Mid1700s] 2. Manage, get along, as in How did you make out with the accountant? This usage was first recorded in 1820. 3. Engage in sexual foreplay or intercourse, as in Bill and Jane were making out on the sofa, or Joe bragged that he made out last night. [Slang; early 1900s] 4. Understand, as in I can't make out what she is trying to say. [Mid-1600s] Also see CAN'T MAKE HEAD OR TAIL OF. 5. Establish or prove, as in He made out that he was innocent. [Colloquial; mid-1600s] 6. Imply or suggest. This usage often occurs with an infinitive, as in Are you making me out to be a liar? [Colloquial; mid-1600s] 7. Write out, draw up; fill in a written form. For example, He made out the invoices, or Jane started making out job applications. This usage was first recorded in 1465.
American Heritage Idioms