bail
verb · casual
To leave, or to cancel plans at the last minute.
How Aussies use it
- Sorry, I'm going to bail early tonight.
- Jess bailed on dinner because she was sick.
How to pronounce ‘bail’
Say it like this: BAYL
‘bail’ in a conversation
Zoe: Are you still coming to trivia tonight?
Max: Sorry, I have to bail. I've got an early start tomorrow.
Good to know
Very common with friends and young people. 'Bail on someone' means you cancel plans you made with them.
Where you'll hear ‘bail’
You'll hear 'bail' between friends, flatmates and teammates, usually when someone is leaving a party early or cancelling plans. It's very common in text messages too: 'Sorry, gotta bail.'
How to reply or use it yourself
If a friend says they have to bail, a kind reply is 'No worries, next time!' You can use it yourself in casual chats when you need to leave or can't come.
More examples
- It's getting late, so I'm going to bail.
- Don't bail on me again this weekend!
- Half the team bailed because of the rain.
🎧 Recorded with Australian AI voices (Bec and Davo from our Listening Room), so you hear a natural Aussie accent on every device.
A common mistake
It's fine with friends, but at work say 'I can't make it' or 'I need to leave early' instead.
Saying it more formally
In a formal email, essay or the PTE test, use leave / cancel instead.
Slang is great for chatting with friends and workmates, but keep it out of PTE essays and formal writing.
Fill the gap
Which word goes in the gap?
I'm really tired, so I think I'll ___ before the movie starts.
Show the answer
bail
Quick check
What does ‘bail’ mean?
- Stuck in mud or sand (usually about a car).
- To leave, or to cancel plans at the last minute.
- Completely full, very crowded.
Show the answer
B. To leave, or to cancel plans at the last minute.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'bail' mean in Australia?
To leave, or to cancel plans at the last minute. Very common with friends and young people. 'Bail on someone' means you cancel plans you made with them.
Can I say 'bail' at work?
With workmates, yes. 'bail' is fine in a chat at smoko or a casual message, but don't use it with clients, in formal emails, or in the PTE and IELTS writing tests.
How do you pronounce 'bail'?
Say it like this: BAYL. Press 'Hear it' on this page to listen.
When do Australians say 'bail'?
You'll hear 'bail' between friends, flatmates and teammates, usually when someone is leaving a party early or cancelling plans. It's very common in text messages too: 'Sorry, gotta bail.'