show out
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Literally: To point or direct toward the exterior
Use `show out` to politely escort a guest to the exit at the end of a visit.
In 15 Seconds
- Walking a guest to the exit politely.
- Used to signal the end of a meeting or visit.
- A polite way to ensure guests find the door.
Meaning
When you lead a guest to the exit of a building or room to make sure they leave safely and politely. It is a way of saying goodbye while physically walking them to the door.
Key Examples
3 of 6Ending a business meeting
Thank you for coming, Mr. Jones; my assistant will show you out.
Thank you for coming, Mr. Jones; my assistant will show you out.
A friend leaving after dinner
It was great catching up! Let me show you out.
It was great catching up! Let me show you out.
An interview ending
We will be in touch soon. I'll show you out to the lobby.
We will be in touch soon. I'll show you out to the lobby.
Cultural Background
The phrase reflects Western etiquette where a host's responsibility ends only when the guest has exited the property. In business, 'showing someone out' is a power move that signals the end of a negotiation while maintaining a professional 'veneer' of politeness. It transitioned from formal manor-house language to standard office English.
The 'I'll see myself out' Joke
If you make a bad joke, you can say 'I'll see myself out.' It means your joke was so bad you should leave immediately!
Don't confuse with 'Show Off'
`Show off` means to brag. If you say 'I'll show you off,' it means you want to brag about your guest, not help them leave!
In 15 Seconds
- Walking a guest to the exit politely.
- Used to signal the end of a meeting or visit.
- A polite way to ensure guests find the door.
What It Means
Show out is a polite way to end a visit. It means you walk with your guest to the door. You aren't just pointing at the exit. You are physically moving with them. It shows you care about their departure. It is the final act of being a good host. Think of it as the 'closing ceremony' of a meeting or a dinner party.
How To Use It
You usually place the person being led between the two words. For example, you say, 'I will show you out.' You can also use it for groups, like 'I'll show them out.' It is a phrasal verb, so it is very flexible. Use it when the conversation is finished. It signals that the event is officially over. It is much nicer than just saying 'Leave now!'
When To Use It
Use this in professional settings after an interview. Use it at home when a friend is leaving after coffee. It is perfect for office environments. If a delivery person finishes a task, you might show them out. It is common in any situation where someone is a visitor. It feels helpful and organized. It prevents guests from getting lost in a big building.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this if you are leaving someone else's house. You cannot show yourself out unless you want to be funny. If you are angry, this phrase might sound too cold. Avoid it in very crowded places like a stadium. It implies a specific door or exit. Don't use it if the person knows the way perfectly and you are busy. In that case, just a wave is fine.
Cultural Background
In British and American culture, hospitality is about the 'start' and the 'end.' Walking someone to the door is a sign of respect. It dates back to when houses and offices were complicated. You didn't want your guest wandering into the kitchen or a private office! It also ensures the door is locked behind them. It is a subtle way to maintain boundaries while being a 'gentleman' or 'lady.'
Common Variations
You might hear see out which is almost identical. See you out is very common in the UK. Another variation is show to the door. If someone is being kicked out, people say show him the door. That is much more aggressive! Stick to show out for polite, everyday situations. It keeps the mood light and friendly.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral-to-formal. It is most effective in professional settings or when hosting someone you don't know very well. Remember to always place the object (me/you/him/her/them) between 'show' and 'out'.
The 'I'll see myself out' Joke
If you make a bad joke, you can say 'I'll see myself out.' It means your joke was so bad you should leave immediately!
Don't confuse with 'Show Off'
`Show off` means to brag. If you say 'I'll show you off,' it means you want to brag about your guest, not help them leave!
The Silent Signal
In some cultures, standing up and offering to `show someone out` is a polite way to tell a guest who has stayed too long that it is time to go.
Examples
6Thank you for coming, Mr. Jones; my assistant will show you out.
Thank you for coming, Mr. Jones; my assistant will show you out.
Professional way to delegate the exit process.
It was great catching up! Let me show you out.
It was great catching up! Let me show you out.
Warm and friendly way to end a social visit.
We will be in touch soon. I'll show you out to the lobby.
We will be in touch soon. I'll show you out to the lobby.
Standard phrase used by HR or hiring managers.
Wait, don't leave yet! I'll come down and show you out.
Wait, don't leave yet! I'll come down and show you out.
Shows extra effort to see the friend one last time.
Okay, you've eaten all my snacks—time for me to show you out!
Okay, you've eaten all my snacks—time for me to show you out!
Using a polite phrase to jokingly kick someone out.
She didn't want to say goodbye, but she quietly showed him out.
She didn't want to say goodbye, but she quietly showed him out.
Focuses on the physical action of leaving during a tough moment.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct pronoun placement for the phrase.
The meeting is over. Please ___ out.
In the phrasal verb `show out`, the object (him) usually goes between the verb and the particle.
Select the most appropriate context for this phrase.
I'll ___ to the elevator so you don't get lost.
`Show you out` is used when someone is leaving the building.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Show Out'
Used with friends, though 'see you out' is more common.
I'll show you out, catch you later!
The sweet spot for this phrase. Perfect for offices.
Let me show you out to the main door.
Very polite, often used by staff or assistants.
The secretary will show you out, sir.
Where to use 'Show Out'
Doctor's Office
The nurse shows the patient out.
Job Interview
The manager shows the candidate out.
Dinner Party
The host shows the guests out.
Lawyer's Office
Showing a client out after a meeting.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsThey are nearly identical. See out is slightly more common in casual British English, while show out sounds a bit more active and helpful.
No, that is grammatically incorrect. You must put the person in the middle: show you out.
Not at all! It is actually very polite. It shows you are a good host who cares about your guest until the very last second.
It is rare in a shop unless it is a very high-end boutique where a personal assistant walks you to the door.
Be careful! Show him the door usually means to fire someone or kick them out because you are angry.
Usually, no. It describes a physical action. You would use it in person as the meeting is ending.
In some American slang dialects, 'show out' can mean to behave wildly or perform for attention, but the 'escort to the door' meaning is the most universal.
You can, but it might sound a little formal. With a best friend, you usually just say 'Bye!' or 'See ya!'
Yes, it is used in both American and British English, though Americans might use show you to the door slightly more often.
Yes! You can say 'I'll show you out to your car' if you are walking them all the way to the street.
Related Phrases
See someone out
To walk with someone to the door as they leave.
Show someone the door
To ask someone to leave or fire them.
Escort someone
A more formal way to say you are walking with someone.
See someone off
To go to an airport or station to say goodbye to someone starting a journey.
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