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Phrase Meanings » make out
What does "make out" mean?
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Discern or see, especially with difficulty, as in I can hardly make out the number on the door. [Mid-1700s]
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Manage, get along, as in How did you make out with the accountant? This usage was first recorded in 1820.
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Engage in sexual foreplay or intercourse, as in Bill and Jane were making out on the sofa, or Joe bragged that he made out last night. [Slang; early 1900s]
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Understand, as in I can't make out what she is trying to say. [Mid-1600s] Also see can't make head or tail of.
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Establish or prove, as in He made out that he was innocent. [Colloquial; mid-1600s]
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Imply or suggest. This usage often occurs with an infinitive, as in Are you making me out to be a liar? [Colloquial; mid-1600s]
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Write out, draw up; fill in a written form. For example, He made out the invoices, or Jane started making out job applications. This usage was first recorded in 1465.
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