bail

Definition

  • noun: an amount of money given to a court to allow a prisoner to leave jail and return later for a trial
  • noun: a container used to remove water from a boat
  • verb: to remove or throw water 'from' or 'out of' a boat
  • verb: to clear (water) from a boat by dipping and throwing over the side
  • verb: to release under bail
  • usually used with 'out'
  • synonyms: lade, deliver, release

Examples

  • They were both 'free/out on' $10,000 'bail'. [=they both paid the court $10,000 and promised to return for their trials]

  • We used a bucket to 'bail' water 'out of' the canoe. = We used a bucket to 'bail out' the canoe.

  • She 'bailed' [='bailed out'] when times got tough. [=she left when life became difficult]

Movie quotes

  • (..) He's sick. Please don't. I can't go to jail. I've left him at home to come here. I can't go to jail. I can't post bail. It's not in my hands. It's the law. Wait one second. What should I do with my dad? I left him at home (..)
    2011 A Separation
  • (..) Write your complaint. Take your father to the medical examiner. If he's hurt get a report. What happens to our complaint? Sign this and leave. You have to post bail. What for? You're charged with murder. I can't let you leave. The blood money is forty million. How am I going to post bail? (..)
    2011 A Separation