Duck out

verb, slang

Definitions

Verb
  1. 1
    To depart quickly or exit abruptly, especially in a manner which does not attract notice and before a meeting, event, etc. has concluded. idiomatic, intransitive

    "Wile they was still talking along these lines, the orchestra begin to drool a Perfect Day, so I ducked out on the porch for air."

  2. 2
    To depart quickly or exit abruptly by way of, especially in a manner which does not attract notice and before a meeting, event, etc. has concluded. idiomatic, transitive

    "The four-term Democrat, known to critics as "King Kevin" and "Mayor De Luxe," has been threatened with recall petitions and recently ducked out the back door of a restaurant to avoid picketers."

  3. 3
    To move or act so as to achieve avoidance, escape, or evasion. idiomatic, intransitive

    "In the one moment he saw his opponent ducking out of his field of vision and the background of white, watching faces; in the next moment he again saw his opponent and the background of faces."

  4. 4
    To avoid a debt; to skip out on a bill. slang, transitive

Etymology

Possibly an allusion to the abrupt manner in which a swimming duck can dive and disappear beneath the surface of the water.

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