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deal out

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deal something out

to pass something out piece by piece, giving everyone equal shares. The manager dealt the proposals out, giving each person an equal number to read. I'll deal out some more proposals.

See also: deal, out

deal out

1. Distribute, as in He dealt out more and more work. [Late 1300s] Also see deal in, def. 3.

2. deal someone out. Exclude someone, as in I don't have time for this project, so deal me out. This usage is the opposite of deal in, def. 3.

See also: deal, out

deal out

v.

1. To exclude someone from a card game by not giving that player cards: Deal me out—I have to go to the bathroom.

2. To distribute something to someone: The dealer dealt the cards out. The politician dealt out pamphlets explaining her position on the issues. Deal out another hand; I'm ready to play.

See also: deal, out