bug out

To leave a place quickly, often because you are worried or in danger.

• Let’s bug out before things get worse.
• They bugged out of town that night.
• Why did everyone bug out so suddenly?

How to use it: bug out of somewhere (We bugged out of the building when the alarm sounded.)

Similar words: get out, clear out, flee

Common phrases: bug out quickly, bug out of somewhere

To leave an area during a disaster or danger and go somewhere safer, often away from towns.

• We may need to bug out tonight.
• They bugged out to the mountains when the city became unsafe.
• Keep your emergency supplies ready if you plan to bug out.

How to use it: bug out to somewhere (The family planned to bug out to a cabin in the hills.)

Similar words: evacuate, escape, flee

Common phrases: bug out to safety, bug out immediately

If your eyes do this, they stick out or open very wide, often because you are surprised.

• His eyes bugged out in surprise.
• My eyes nearly bugged out when I saw the bill.
• Her eyes bug out whenever she spots a huge spider.

Similar words: bulge, protrude

Common phrases: eyes bug out, bug out in surprise

To leave someone suddenly without warning, especially when they need you.

• He bugged out on me.
• I promised I wouldn’t bug out on her.
• Why did you bug out on your friends when they needed you?

How to use it: bug out on someone (Don’t bug out on me when I need your help.)

Similar words: abandon, desert, walk out on

Common phrases: bug out on someone, bug out on friends

To stay away from school or classes without permission.

• She bugged out of school yesterday.
• We used to bug out whenever there was a test.
• His teacher called home after he bugged out again.

How to use it: bug out of school (He bugged out of school to spend the day at the beach.)

Similar words: skip school, play hooky, play truant

Common phrases: bug out of school, bug out again

To make your eyes stick out more than usual, often as an exaggerated expression.

• He can bug out his eyes.
• She bugged out her eyes and pulled a funny face.
• Don’t bug your eyes out like that.

How to use it: bug out one’s eyes (She bugged out her eyes for the camera.)

Similar words: bulge

Common phrases: bug out eyes, bug out your eyes

A sudden, hurried retreat, especially by soldiers leaving a dangerous position.

• The soldiers began a hurried bug-out.
• Their bug-out left supplies scattered along the road.
• The commander tried to prevent another panic-filled bug-out.

Similar words: retreat, rout, withdrawal

Opposites: advance

Common phrases: a bug out, hasty bug out