bottle
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To refrain from doing (something) at the last moment because of a sudden loss of courage.
Register: slang
Examples
The rider bottled the big jump.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
To throw away a leading position.
Register: slang
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “bottle” mean?
To refrain from doing (something) at the last moment because of a sudden loss of courage.
Is “bottle” formal or informal?
bottle is generally slang.