Phrasal Verb – Crash out
To suddenly fall asleep; also to be eliminated from a competition (2 meanings below).
Meaning 1: To Suddenly Fall Asleep
(Slang) To crash out means to suddenly fall asleep because you are very tired. This can also describe someone who passes out because they’ve had too much to drink. This phrasal verb is not separable — it always stays as “crash out.”
“I’m going to crash out as soon as I get home!”
“He crashed out on the train and missed his stop.”
Meaning 2: To Be Eliminated From a Competition
(Slang) To crash out also means to be eliminated from a competition, usually unexpectedly or earlier than hoped. This meaning is common in sports commentary. This phrasal verb is not separable.
“Manchester United crashed out of the FA Cup in the 3rd round!”
“The defending champions crashed out in the quarter-final.”
Looking for more everyday phrasal verbs? Check out break down and take off.
Some phrasal verbs can be separated. When we change the tense of the phrasal verb, we only modify the verb part — the particle remains the same.
What is a phrasal verb?
A phrasal verb is a verb combined with 1 or 2 small words. These small words are particles. A particle can be a preposition or adverb. The phrasal verb has a different meaning from the verb alone because the particle changes the meaning of the verb.
Frequently Asked Questions
It has two common meanings: (1) to suddenly fall asleep because you’re very tired, or to pass out from drinking too much alcohol, and (2) to be eliminated from a competition.
No — “crash out” is an inseparable phrasal verb, so it always stays together as “crash out,” whatever comes before or after it.
It’s informal / slang. It’s fine in everyday conversation, texts, and casual writing, but avoid it in formal or academic English.
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