The phrasal verb "ride out" is predominantly used in informal contexts, although it can occasionally appear in more formal speech, particularly in narrative settings or when describing endurance. It generally refers to enduring or surviving through a difficult or challenging situation, often related to weather or metaphorically to personal hardships, such as "riding out a storm." This expression is commonly found in casual conversation, journalism, and travel literature, especially when discussing turbulent scenarios, both literal and figurative. The imagery of riding a horse or vehicle during a storm conveys the idea of maintaining perseverance and composure until the difficulty passes, which enriches its expressive quality and emotional resonance.
B2
Advanced
1. To endure or survive a difficult situation or challenge.
The company managed to ride out the economic downturn without laying off any employees.
She's a seasoned politician who has been able to ride out many scandals and controversies.
2. To remain in a safe place and wait for a dangerous situation to pass.
During the hurricane, we decided to stay in the basement and ride out the storm.
They chose to ride out the conflict by staying neutral and avoiding confrontations.