spin out

present singular third person spins out · participle present spinning out · participle past spun out · past spun out

1. ambitransitiveidiomaticTo prolong; to make longer (in time or extent).

   Somehow I need to spin out this essay to 2,000 words.

   3 more examples

   The film was spun out to three hours, despite the plot running out after two.

   After Ashby summit it was difficult to spin out the more than ample schedule allowance.

   1941 October, “Notes and News: L.N.E.R. Locomotive Performance in War Conditions”, in Railway Magazine, page 473

   Here we were nearly 8 min. early, and was now a matter of spinning out time, as indeed we did—losing 3 min. from Penrith to Carlisle!—in order not to run into Carlisle more than 5 min. early.

   1957 August 28, Cecil J. Allen, “British Locomotive Practice and Performance”, in Railway Magazine, page 568

   Synonyms: drag out, string out

2. intransitiveautomotiveTo rotate about the yaw axis while skidding, such that the vehicle's longitudinal axis is no longer aligned with its direction of linear motion.

   Two cars spun out on the icy road and wound up in a ditch.

3. ambitransitiveautomotiveTo cause one's vehicle to rotate about the yaw axis while skidding, such that the vehicle's longitudinal axis is no longer aligned with its direction of linear motion; or to experience such behavior from one's vehicle.

   The Formula One driver spun out on a tight curve.

   1 more example

   Bob accidentally spun out his Mercedes when he hit a patch of black ice.

4. businessTo form a subsidiary company which continues part of the prior operations of the parent company.
5. informalTo freak out; to experience a mental health crisis, especially one that is public or damaging; to be drawn into and derailed by a psychotic break, burst of anger, etc; to fail catastrophically, especially if caused by a freak out.

   Synonyms: spin off

6. cyclingTo be at the upper limit of one's cadence, and therefore unable to pedal faster, especially when there is no higher gear available, such as when descending very rapidly.