sell out

To sell every available item or ticket, leaving none for people to buy.

• The tickets sold out yesterday.
• We have sold out of fresh bread.
• Will the concert sell out before Friday?

How to use it: sell out of something (The shop sold out of milk.); sell something out (They sold the concert out in minutes.)

Common phrases: sell out of something, sell out quickly

To betray someone who trusts you in order to gain something for yourself.

• You sold me out!
• He sold his partner out for a cash reward.
• Would she really sell us out to save herself?

How to use it: sell someone out (He sold his friends out to avoid prison.); sell someone out to someone (She sold him out to the police.)

Similar words: betray, double-cross

Common phrases: sell someone out, sell out a friend

To give up your beliefs or betray your supporters for money or another personal benefit.

• He sold out for money.
• Fans accused the band of selling out to big business.
• Would you sell out just to get promoted?

How to use it: sell out to someone (The leaders sold out to wealthy investors.); sell out for something (She refused to sell out for fame.)

Similar words: compromise one’s principles

Common phrases: sell out to someone, sell out for money

To sell your entire business or ownership share and stop being involved in it.

• She sold out when she retired.
• The partners sold out to a national chain.
• After forty years, he was ready to sell out.

How to use it: sell out to someone (The owners sold out to a larger company.)

Similar words: sell up

Common phrases: sell out to someone, sell out completely

To give all your effort and loyalty to a cause, team, or goal.

• The players sold out for the team.
• Our coach wants us to sell out on every play.
• She sold out completely for the cause.

How to use it: sell out for something (Every player sold out for the team.)

Similar words: commit fully, give one’s all

Common phrases: sell out for something, sell out for victory