serve out

Definitions

1. 1

   To win a set, or by extension a match, by holding serve (winning a game as the server).

   • She held her nerve after failing to serve out the match at the first attempt, seeing three match points slip by in a nervous service game at 6-4 5-4 and recovering from losing the tie-break to dominate the decider.
2. 2

   To serve the whole of some period.

   • The politician did not serve out his term.
3. 3

   To deal out or distribute.

   • The waiters served out soup to the guests.
4. ›+ 1 more definitionshow fewer

   1. 4

      To pay back

      To pay back; to have one's revenge on.

      • 'Yar!' said she, 'you little meddlesome wretch, I have you now! I will serve you out for telling the salmon where I was!'

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