bail

Everyday

1. noun (law): Money paid to a court so a person accused of a crime can stay out of prison until the trial; «on bail» means released this way. tree →
2. verb: To scoop water out of a boat with a bucket (UK also spelled «bale»). tree →
3. noun (cricket): One of the two small wooden pieces resting on top of the stumps. tree →
4. «bail out»: to help someone out of trouble, often with money; or to jump out of a plane by parachute. tree →
5. (slang) To leave suddenly, or to not turn up: «I'm gonna bail», «He bailed on us». tree →
6. To go bail for someone means to promise that they will behave well, or to vouch for them. tree →

In the lessons

Heard in news and crime stories (law), sailing and survival stories (bailing water), cricket lessons in the UK, Australia and NZ, and teen talk (bail = leave). Phrases: «on bail», «bail out», «bail on someone».

Examples

• He was released on bail. tree →
• We bailed water out of the leaking boat. tree →
• The ball knocked off a bail — out! tree →
• The bank was bailed out by the government. tree →
• The pilot bailed out before the crash. tree →
• It's late, I'm gonna bail. (slang) tree →
• She bailed on the party at the last minute. (slang) tree →
• Grab the bucket and help me bail! tree →
• I'll go bail you won't play such a trick on us again. tree →

Note

Homophone: «bale» (a bundle of hay); British English also uses «bale out» for boats and planes. «Bail» in law is money that is given back if the person comes to court.