buy out from under
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To purchase (something) that (somebody else) intends to buy.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
We better make an offer before somebody buys the house out from under us.
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 make a payment to escape from or cancel (a problem).
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “buy out from under” mean?
To purchase (something) that (somebody else) intends to buy.
Is “buy out from under” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.