1
general::
1. Remove or be removed by washing; also, cause to fade by laundering. For example, Give it to me; I'll wash out that stain, or The bleach has really washed out that bright print. [Mid-1700s] 2. Wear away or be worn away by the flow of water, as in The river rose and washed out the dam, or The road has completely washed out. [Mid-1700s] 3. Deplete or be depleted of energy, as in Working on her feet all day just washed her out, or I just washed out after that long tennis match. [Mid-1800s] 4. Eliminate or be eliminated as unsatisfactory, as in He washed out of medical school after just one year, or After only two months as chairman I washed out. [Colloquial; early 1900s] 5. Cancel owing to bad weather, as in The picnic was washed out. [Colloquial; early 1900s] Also see WASHED OUT.
American Heritage Idioms
2
general::
Phrase(s): wash someone out
Fig. to deplete the strength or vitality of someone. • The flu really washed me out. • The disease washed out the whole class., Phrase(s): wash something out
1. to wash out the inside of something; to wash something made of fabric. • I have to wash my socks out tonight. • Wash the pitcher out before you put it away. • I will wash out my socks tomorrow. 2. Fig. to rain on or flood an event so that it must be canceled. (Fig. on Q.) • Rain washed the game out. • The storm washed out the picnic. 3. to wash or erode something out or away. • The flood washed the new bushes out. • The rains washed out the paving stones., Phrase(s): wash out
1. Inf. to fail and be removed from something, such as school. • I studied all I could, but I still washed out. • I don’t want to wash out. It’s my whole future. 2. Inf. to have a serious wreck; to wipe out. • The little car washed out on the curve. • The vehicles have a tendency to wash out when cornering. 3. Inf. to lose a large amount of money. • Fred washed out on that stock deal. • Lefty and Willie washed out at the racetrack. 4. Inf. to break down or collapse from exhaustion. • The whole play began to wash out during the second act. It was a lost cause by the third. • Finally, after a long day, I just washed out. They had to call the paramedics.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs