walk out on (somebody/something)
Meaning(s)
1. abandon or leave somebody or something
Popularity
High
Professional
High
Social
How to Memorize
walk out on your partner/job
Analysis
To 'walk out on somebody' means to leave or abandon them. Usually, this phrase is used to talk about someone leaving a romantic relationship or their family. This is a casual expression used more often in social contexts. Similar meaning expressions include 'to abandonn', 'to desert' or 'to leave high and dry'. Do not confuse with the phrasal verb 'walk out' which means to leave angrily.
Social Examples (Basic)
- Mike showed his true colours by walking out on his wife and child when things got tough.
- She walked out on him after she found out that they were thousands of euros in debt.
Professional Examples (Basic)
- Anne walked out on her job with the company to take up a position with their major rival. She really left her former employers in the lurch!