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sit out

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sit out

to elect not to participate in something. I think I will not join in this game. I'll sit out. I'll sit out for this round.

See also: out, sit

sit something out

not to participate in something; to wait until something is over before participating. Oh, please play with us. Don't sit it out. I'm tired of playing cards, so I think I'll sit out this game.

See also: out, sit

sit out

1. Also, sit through. Stay until the end of, as in We decided to sit out the lecture instead of leaving early, or He was only eight when he sat through an entire opera-and it lasted nearly five hours. [Early 1700s]

2. Refrain from taking part in, as in Jane's foot hurt so she sat out the last three dances. [Mid-1600s]

3. Outlast, outstay, as in He sat out all the other guests, hoping to get a word alone with the host. [Mid-1700s]

See also: out, sit

sit out

v.

1. To stay until the end of something: Let's sit out this act, and then we can leave at intermission. This lecture is really boring—I don't think I can sit it out.

2. To refrain from taking part in something: The star pitcher sat out the game with an ankle injury. I'm going to sit this dance out.

See also: out, sit