Look into (a matter)

[1359] Pass out

🎲 Put up with (someone/something)
English Idioms
All Idioms

Explanation

  • To faint or lose consciousness suddenly.
  • Can also mean to distribute items (e.g., pass out leaflets), but this entry focuses on fainting.

Origin

  • Pass can mean to move beyond or transition. Out indicates moving out of a state (in this case, consciousness).
  • The idea is transitioning 'out' of awareness.

Synonyms & Related Expressions

  • Faint
  • Lose consciousness
  • Black out (can also mean temporary memory loss, but often used for fainting)
  • Swoon (dated, often implies emotional reaction)
  • Collapse
  • Keel over (informal)

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

  • Keel over
  • Black out
  • Conk out (can also mean fall asleep quickly)
  • Go out like a light (lose consciousness instantly)

Vulgar/Emphatic:

  • Not typically used with vulgarity, as the situation is usually serious or medical. Focus is on concern.

Milder/Formal:

  • Lose consciousness
  • Faint
  • Experience syncope (medical term)

Situational Appropriateness

  • Neutral.
  • Common in everyday language to describe fainting. Also used in medical contexts.

Misunderstanding Warnings

  • Learners need to distinguish between pass out (faint) and pass away (die). This is a critical distinction.
  • Also, be aware of the other meaning: pass out (distribute), e.g., The teacher passed out the exams. Context is key.

Examples

  • It was so hot in the room that he passed out.
  • She felt dizzy and thought she was going to pass out.
  • He passed out from exhaustion after running the marathon.

Dialogue

Witness 1: Did you see that? That poor woman just passed out!

Witness 2: Quick, someone call 911! Is anyone here a doctor?

Witness 1: I think she's coming around... Ma'am, are you alright?

Woman (weakly): What... what happened?

Witness 2: You fainted. Just stay still, help is on the way.

Social Media Examples

  • Tweet: Nearly passed out from dehydration during my run today. Reminder to self: drink more water! #running #PSA
  • Facebook Post: Scary moment at the concert last night when someone in the crowd passed out. Hope they're okay! Stay safe, everyone.
  • Health Forum: I keep feeling lightheaded and almost pass out when I stand up too quickly. Should I be worried?

Response Patterns

  • Concern/Alarm: Oh my god! / Is he okay? / Call an ambulance!
  • Inquiry (after the event): What happened? / Are you feeling better?
  • Calm instructions (if present): Give him some air. / Lay him down.

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

During the event: Provide first aid, call for help if necessary.

    After someone has passed out and recovered:

    • Ask how they are feeling: Are you okay now? / Do you need anything?
    • Ask about the cause: Do you know why you passed out? / Have you eaten today?
    • Suggest seeing a doctor.

    Conversation Starter

    • No. Used to describe a specific event, usually a medical one.

    Intonation

    • Stress usually falls on PASS and OUT.
    • He PASSED OUT.

    Generation Differences

    • Used by all generations.

    Regional Variations

    • Common in all major English-speaking regions.
    Look into (a matter)
    🎲 Put up with (someone/something)