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

  • (..) People are already walking away from me. I'm dead in here. You got to get me out. Karen finally got her mother to put her house up for my bail and I was out. I remember I had this feeling I would be killed right outside the jail. I knew Paulie was still pissed at me and he is such a hothead. (..)
    1990 Goodfellas
  • (..) - Bailey, you got to use your echolocation. - You know it's broken. Just stop it and try the ooo thing Dory talked about, will you ?! - Huh, I don't think I can. - Don't bail on me, Bailey! Come on, Bailey. What did you just tell me, huh? Really. Focus. I feel stupid. (..)
    2016 Finding Dory
  • (..) saying she arrived in merritsville? Why did she do that? Where'd they take Lisa? Precinct six. I sent somebody over with the bail money. maybe you won't need it. I'll run it down,Jeff. All right. Hurry up, will you? This fellow knows he's being watched. (..)
    1954 Rear Window