“Sold Out” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 14, 2024 by Liam Daniel

“Sold out” is a phrase that you will hear quite often in conversation and see just as frequently in print. If you are looking for information on this phrase, then your search has led you to the right spot.

Here you will find everything you need to know from the meaning of this phrase to its information about its origin. You will also see the phrase used correctly in some example sentences and conversations to help you improve your skills by using the phrase and see some suggestions to use in place of this phrase also.

Sold Out Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • The phrase “sold out” has two meanings depending on the context. First, it refers to an event where all tickets have been purchased, such as for a show or concert. Second, it can imply betrayal when used to describe someone who has acted disloyally, often with a pronoun between “sold” and “out.”
Sold Out Meaning
Sold Out Meaning – Created by 7ESL

Sold Out Meaning

The phrase “sold out” can have two different meanings depending on the context the phrase is used in. The first meaning is used when someone is discussing a show, play, movie, concert, or some other type of event where tickets are sold to the public and all the tickets have been purchased. The second meaning of this phrase is implied when someone is talking about someone else who has betrayed them in some way. When the phrase is used in this manner, there is often a pronoun that appears in between the words “sold” and “out.”

Origin of this Idiom

The first use of the phrase “sold out” in the context of the first meaning stated above occurred in 1923. The second meaning came before in 1862 when the phrase was discovered in the diary of Mary Chestnut.

Usage of “Sold Out”

Here are some examples of how the phrase “sold out” can be used in different contexts:

  1. Event Tickets:
    • “I tried to buy tickets for the movie, but it’s already sold out.”
  2. Products:
    • “The limited-edition sneakers were sold out in minutes.”
  3. Betrayal or Disloyalty:
    • “The politician sold out his supporters by backing down on his promises.”

Related Terms to “Sold Out”

In the context of availability:

  1. Out of stock – Refers to products or items that are no longer available for purchase.
  2. Unavailable – Something that cannot be obtained at the moment.
  3. Fully booked – Refers to events, accommodations, or services that have no available spots or reservations left.
  4. No longer available – Indicates that an item or service is not accessible anymore.
  5. Gone – Implies that something is no longer obtainable, usually due to high demand.

In the context of betrayal or disloyalty:

  1. Betrayed – To be disloyal or turn against someone.
  2. Turned against – Indicates a shift in loyalty, often causing harm or betrayal.
  3. Double-crossed – Refers to deceiving or betraying someone after agreeing to help them.
  4. Backstabbed – Betrayed someone, usually in a deceptive or hidden way.
  5. Ratted out – Informally refers to someone who betrays or exposes someone else’s secrets.

Alternatives to “Sold Out”

There are several alternative words or phrases that you can use in place of using the phrase “sold out.” Some of these include:

  • Betrayed
  • Depleted
  • Out of stock

“Sold Out” Examples

Example Sentences

  • Jeremiah sold out his friends and told the teacher that they were the ones who instigated the fight in the cafeteria.
  • The sold out crowd stood on their feet as the curtains dropped and the amazing performance came to an end.

Example Conversations

A conversation between two stage performers.

  • Performer 1: Wow! Look at the crowd! It is packed!
  • Performer 2: Yes! There is not one empty seat! It is a sold out show didn’t you know?
  • Performer 1: I thought as much from the capacity. I never expected this show to generate so much attention!

A conversation between two friends.

  • Friend 1: We need to tell Joe’s parents about his problem.
  • Friend 2: I am not going to do that to him. I know what it feels like to be sold out by your friends.
  • Friend 1: If we don’t, then who will. I know it sucks but we have to do what is best for him in this situation, even if it means he never talks to us again.
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