bottle it

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To suppress an action or expression, especially when due to lack of courage.

Register: informal, slang

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

To lose one's nerve.

Register: informal, slang

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To run away, especially when due to lack of courage.

Register: informal, slang

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “bottle it” mean?

To suppress an action or expression, especially when due to lack of courage.

Is “bottle it” formal or informal?

bottle it is generally informal, slang.