Pronunciation: [ʃˈʌvə͡l ˈa͡ʊt] (IPA) 
The phrase "shovel out" is spelled as /ˈʃʌvəl aʊt/. The first part "shovel" is pronounced as /ˈʃʌvəl/ with the "sh" sound followed by "u" as in "put" and "v" as in "voice". The second part "out" is pronounced as /aʊt/ with the sound of "ou" as in "loud" and ending with a "t" sound. Together, the phrase means to clear or remove something with a shovel, often used in the context of snow or dirt removal.
The term "shovel out" is a phrasal verb that is comprised of the verb "shovel" and the particle "out." It is used to describe the act of using a shovel to remove or clear a substantial amount of material, such as dirt, snow, or debris, from a particular area.
When someone "shovels out," they are engaged in an act of physically exerting themselves to remove large quantities of material. This action often requires the use of a shovel or a similar tool with a wide, flat blade and a long handle. The purpose of "shoveling out" is to create a clear pathway, to uncover a specific area, or to make an object or space visible and accessible again.
The term is commonly associated with tasks like snow removal, where individuals shovel out driveways, sidewalks, or walkways to ensure safe passage. It can also refer to clearing soil or debris from specific areas, such as digging out a hole or uncovering a buried object.
In a more figurative sense, "shovel out" can be used metaphorically to describe the act of clearing or resolving a situation or a problem that involves a significant amount of work or effort. It signifies the diligent and dedicated effort required to successfully remove or deal with a substantial quantity of something undesirable or obstructive.
The phrase "shovel out" is a colloquial expression that means to remove or clear out something, typically a large amount of dirt, snow, or debris, using a shovel. The etymology of this phrase is relatively straightforward. It can be considered a compound of two separate words: "shovel" and "out".
The word "shovel" originates from the Old English word "scofl" or "scofel", which referred to a kind of spade or digging tool. It traces back to the Proto-Germanic word "*skublo", which had a similar meaning. Over time, the word "scofl" transformed into "shovel" as we know it today.
The word "out" comes from the Old English word "ūt", which meant "out" or "outside".
