The spelling of the phrase "hole out" is straightforward. The first word is spelled as it sounds - "hol" - with the long "o" sound. The second word is spelled "out" with the "ow" diphthong. In IPA phonetic transcription, "hole" would be written as /hoʊl/ and "out" would be written as /aʊt/. Together, the phrase would be transcribed as /hoʊl aʊt/. The phrase is commonly used in golf, referring to completing a hole by getting the ball into the cup in the fewest number of strokes.
The term "hole out" is a golfing phrase that refers to successfully completing a hole by sinking the golf ball into the designated hole on the green. Specifically, it signifies the act of making a shot from the putting green and sending the golf ball into the hole with a single stroke, thereby concluding the scoring for that particular hole. This achievement is usually celebrated by players as it implies a successful, highly precise shot that demonstrates skill and accuracy.
The concept of "hole out" is widely employed in competitive golf and is an essential element in scoring. Each time a player "holes out," they fulfill the objective of the specific hole and advance to the subsequent one. The term emphasizes the importance of completing a hole efficiently to score well and is often used as a verb to describe the action of successfully sinking the ball in one's play.
The phrase "hole out" can also be used more generally to denote the act of completing or finishing something with excellence or precision, even beyond the context of golf. It carries a connotation of successfully accomplishing a task or goal, often implying a high level of skill, determination, or accuracy. In these instances, "hole out" is figurative and connects to the achievement of effectively concluding a given endeavor.
The term "hole out" has its origins in the sport of golf.
In golf, "hole out" refers to the act of successfully sinking the ball into the hole on the putting green, thereby completing a hole. The word "hole" itself dates back to Middle English, with variations like "hol" and "hool". It can be traced back to Old English and Proto-Germanic origins, where it had the same meaning of an opening, cavity, or hollow space.
The verb "out" in this context denotes completion or finishing. It comes from Middle English and Old English, where it was used in various senses, including expressing the idea of completeness or thoroughly. Over time, the term "hole out" specifically became associated with the act of finishing a hole in golf by successfully sinking the ball.