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reach out

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reach out

 

1. Lit. to extend one's grasp outward. He reached out, but there was no one to take hold of. I reached out and grabbed onto the first thing I could get hold of.

2. Fig. to enlarge one's circle of friends and experiences. If you are that lonely, you ought to reach out. Get to know some new friends. I need to reach out more and meet people.

See also: out, reach

reach out (after someone or something)

 and reach out (for something)

to extend one's grasp to someone or something. Don reached out after Doris, but she slipped away before he could get a good hold on her. Doris reached out for the door, but it slammed closed.

See also: out, reach

reach out (to somebody)

to make a special effort to communicate with or help someone I was going through a hard time, and Johnny really reached out to me during that period. He used his dance company as a way of reaching out to African-American youth.

See also: out, reach

reach out

v.

1. To extend one's grasp outward: The vines along the path were full of grapes, so I reached out and grabbed some. I reached out for the boy's hand and pulled him out of the water.

2. To extend one's grasp thorough something: They kids reached out the car window and the clerk handed them each an ice cream cone.

3. To extend one's circle of friends, contacts, or experiences: He has been rather isolated, but now he's reaching out and meeting new people.

4. To strive toward something; aspire to something: She is reaching out for a job that is more challenging.

5. reach out for To seek help, comfort, or support from someone: Given the way you wrote this letter, it seems that you're reaching out for someone to talk to.

See also: out, reach