How Do You Spell BAIL UP?

Pronunciation: [bˈe͡ɪl ˈʌp] (IPA)

The spelling of the phrase "bail up" can be confusing due to the silent "u" in the second word. The correct IPA transcription of this phrase is /beɪl ʌp/. The "a" in "bail" is pronounced like the "a" in "day," and the "u" in "up" is pronounced like the "u" in "but." This Australian phrase means to hold someone up or stop them, often with the intention of robbing them. It originated in the 19th century and is still used in Australian English today.

Meaning and Definition
Etymology
Idioms
Conjugate verb
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BAIL UP Meaning and Definition

  1. Bail up is a colloquial phrase primarily used in Australian and New Zealand English, meaning to corner, trap, or confine someone or something. This term typically refers to the act of forcefully restraining or holding someone against their will, often with the intention of robbing or attacking them. It is important to note that "bail up" is informal and may carry a sense of humor or playfulness when used in certain contexts.

    The term "bail up" originated in the mid-19th century, derived from the noun "bail," which refers to the act of confining or imprisoning. When used as a verb, "bail up" indicates the action of forcefully detaining or stopping someone in their tracks. It is commonly associated with bushrangers or highwaymen, who would "bail up" travelers or unsuspecting individuals, demanding money or valuables.

    This phrase can also extend beyond human confinement and be applied to situations where animals, objects, or vehicles are forcefully contained or trapped. For instance, a farmer might say they had to "bail up" a stray cow that wandered onto their property.

    Overall, "bail up" represents an informal, regional expression used primarily in Australia and New Zealand to describe the act of cornering, trapping, or confining someone or something. Its usage implies a potential threat or humorous tone within the context it is employed.

Etymology of BAIL UP

The term bail up originated in Australia and has its roots in convict slang from the 19th century. It is derived from the word bail, which has a Middle English origin and means to secure the release of someone. The addition of up indicates the act of forcefully holding someone up or capturing them.

In the context of Australian bushranging, bail up referred to the act of robbing travelers or holding people captive while demanding money or valuables. It became a common phrase associated with the actions of bushrangers, who were notorious outlaws during the early colonial period in Australia.

Over time, bail up has evolved beyond its criminal connotations and is now occasionally used in colloquial Australian English to mean to stop someone or hold them up for a brief interaction or conversation.

Idioms with the word BAIL UP

  • bail up To confront someone with intent to rob or hold them up.

Conjugate verb Bail up

CONDITIONAL

I would bail up
you would bail up
he/she/it would bail up
we would bail up
they would bail up

CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS

I would be bailing up
you would be bailing up
he/she/it would be bailing up
we would be bailing up
they would be bailing up

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have bail up
you would have bail up
he/she/it would have bail up
we would have bail up
they would have bail up

CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I would have been bailing up
you would have been bailing up
he/she/it would have been bailing up
we would have been bailing up
they would have been bailing up

FUTURE

I will bail up
you will bail up
he/she/it will bail up
we will bail up
they will bail up

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be bailing up
you will be bailing up
he/she/it will be bailing up
we will be bailing up
they will be bailing up

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have bailed up
you will have bailed up
he/she/it will have bailed up
we will have bailed up
they will have bailed up

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been bailing up
you will have been bailing up
he/she/it will have been bailing up
we will have been bailing up
they will have been bailing up

IMPERATIVE

you bail up
we let´s bail up

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to bail up

PAST

I bailed up
you bailed up
he/she/it bailed up
we bailed up
they bailed up

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was bailing up
you were bailing up
he/she/it was bailing up
we were bailing up
they were bailing up

PAST PARTICIPLE

bailed up

PAST PERFECT

I had bailed up
you had bailed up
he/she/it had bailed up
we had bailed up
they had bailed up

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been bailing up
you had been bailing up
he/she/it had been bailing up
we had been bailing up
they had been bailing up

PRESENT

I bail up
you bail up
he/she/it bails up
we bail up
they bail up

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am bailing up
you are bailing up
he/she/it is bailing up
we are bailing up
they are bailing up

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

bailing up

PRESENT PERFECT

I have bailed up
you have bailed up
he/she/it has bailed up
we have bailed up
they have bailed up

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been bailing up
you have been bailing up
he/she/it has been bailing up
we have been bailing up
they have been bailing up