spin out

Verb

spin out (third-person singular simple present spins out, present participle spinning out, simple past and past participle spun out)

1. (ambitransitive, idiomatic) To prolong; to make longer (in time or extent).
   • The film was spun out to three hours, despite the plot running out after two.
   • Somehow I need to spin out this essay to 2,000 words.

   Synonyms:

   drag out, string out

2. (intransitive) To rotate about the yaw axis while skidding, such that the vehicle's longitudinal axis is no longer aligned with its direction of linear motion.
   • Two cars spun out on the icy road and wound up in a ditch.
3. (ambitransitive) To cause one's vehicle to rotate about the yaw axis while skidding, such that the vehicle's longitudinal axis is no longer aligned with its direction of linear motion; or to experience such behavior from one's vehicle.
   • The Formula One driver spun out on a tight curve.
   • Bob accidentally spun out his Mercedes when he hit a patch of black ice.
4. To form a subsidiary company which continues part of the prior operations of the parent company.
5. (informal) To freak out; to experience a mental health crisis, especially one that is public or damaging; to be drawn into and derailed by a psychotic break, burst of anger, etc; to fail catastrophically, especially if caused by a freak out.

   Synonyms:

   spin off

6. To be at the upper limit of one's cadence, and therefore unable to pedal faster, especially when there is no higher gear available, such as when descending very rapidly.