time out
The phrase 'time out' is versatile, applying to breaks in activities, sports, and disciplinary actions.
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Definition
B2General
A brief suspension of activity to allow for a break or to address an issue.
Example
- Let's take a time out to discuss this calmly.
- She took a time out from her busy schedule to relax.
B1Sports
(technical)A stoppage in play allowed by the rules, during which players can rest, discuss strategy, or make substitutions.
Example
- The coach called a time out to plan the next move.
- Each team is allowed three time outs per game.
B2Parenting
(disciplinary)A technique where a child is temporarily removed from a situation to calm down and reflect on their behavior.
Example
- The child was given a time out for hitting his sibling.
- Parents often use time outs to manage tantrums.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "time out":
timed outtime out of mindterm outclock outtag outtime limittip outlock outtime controltime intime stopout of timetime faultdelay timeoff timespace outsin binwait onsit outhold timeholding timetap out