bottle out

1 of 1verb

/ˈbɑ:.təl aʊt/

Forms:bottles out,bottling out,bottled out,bottled out

1

to decide not to do something because of a sudden fear or anxiety

The team captain bottled out the risky strategy before the game.
The speaker bottled out of giving the controversial speech.
She often bottles out when faced with unfamiliar situations.
The performer bottled out of the dangerous stunt seconds before going on stage.
He bottled out when it was time to jump from the high diving board.