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close out

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close something out

 

1. to sell off a particular kind of merchandise with the intention of not selling it in the future. These are not selling. Let's close them out. They closed out all of last season's merchandise.

2. to prevent further registration in something. We are going to have to close this class out. The registrar closed out the class.

See also: close, out

close out

1. Also, close something out. Dispose of a stock of goods; end a business. For example, We are closing out all our china, or They've decided to close out their downtown branch. This expression is most often used in business and commerce but occasionally refers to other matters. [Late 1800s]

2. close someone out. Prevent someone's entry or inclusion, as in No one will tell us about the merger-we've been closed out. [Second half of 1900s]

See also: close, out

close out

v.

1. To block someone or something from entering some place: I shut the windows to close out the light. The management closed the striking union out from the factory.

2. To refuse to include someone in a group or activity: The tour guide had to close out many people who wanted to come on the trip because the bus was full. The school closed me out of the class because I registered too late.

3. To discontinue the sale of some merchandise: The store is closing out its old line of hiking boots, so they're on sale. This is a good brand of refrigerator, so buy one before the store closes them out.

4. To terminate something, as a business or an account, by disposing of all its assets: She opened a new bank account and closed out the old one. He closed his savings account out and bought a new car.

5. To bring some activity to an end: This performance will close out our program for the evening. Just when we thought the tennis match might go to a third set, one of the players closed it out with two aces.

See also: close, out