脱口而出 tuōkǒu’érchū to blurt out
(idiom) to blurt out; to let slip (an indiscreet remark)
How to remember 脱口而出: 脱 undress + 口 mouth (Kangxi radical 30) + 而 and yet + 出 go out = to blurt out.
Characters
How it is used
- Idiom: to blurt out without thinking - 答案脱口而出 (dá'àn tuōkǒu ér chū) the answer came out instantly; 一句脏话脱口而出 (yí jù zānghuà tuōkǒu ér chū) a curse slipped out.
- Can be positive (a fluent, instant response) or negative (an indiscreet slip); context decides.
- Written and spoken; stresses speech escaping before the brain checks it.
Example sentences
- 汤姆不假思索脱口而出。 Tāngmǔ bùjiǎsīsuǒ tuōkǒuérchū.Tom speaks without thinking.