PhrasesHub

reach out

    Definitions

      • make contact
        To make an effort to communicate with someone, usually to offer help or support

      • ask for help
        To seek assistance or information from someone

      • expand or extend
        To extend one's influence, power, or range

    Examples of reach out

    • Jane decided to reach out to her old friend, Sarah, whom she hadn't spoken to in years. She sent her a text message, saying, "Hey, long time no see! Hope all is well with you. How are you doing?"

      In this example, "reach out" is used to describe Jane's initiative to reconnect with Sarah after a long period of absence. It implies that Jane took the first step to establish contact, and she did it in a friendly and supportive way, expressing concern for Sarah's well-being.

    • In his speech, the CEO encouraged the employees to reach out to him with any ideas or concerns they might have. He said, "I am always available to listen and to help you in any way I can. Please don't hesitate to reach out to me."

      Here, "reach out" has a more professional and organizational connotation. It suggests that the CEO is approachable and willing to assist his staff, inviting them to communicate with him directly.

    • When Sophie moved to a new city, she felt overwhelmed and disconnected from the community. She decided to join a group for expats and to reach out to fellow newcomers. She introduced herself at a meetup and struck up a conversation with a woman named Lisa.

      In this scenario, "reach out" is employed to denote Sophie's effort to integrate herself in her new environment. It implies that Sophie took an active role in meeting new people and finding support, rather than just waiting for someone to come to her.

    • After the earthquake, the government urged the affected population to reach out to the relief agencies for assistance. They announced, "We are here to help you. Don't hesitate to reach out to us."

      Finally, "reach out" is employed in a humanitarian context, emphasizing the availability and readiness of the authorities to extend a helping hand to the people affected by a natural disaster. It underscores the importance of communication and cooperation, encouraging the victims to seek help without shame or hesitation.

    • After finishing her exams, Sarah reached out to her best friend who moved to a different city a few months ago.

      The idiom "reach out" in this context means that Sarah attempted to get in touch with her friend by contacting her. It can also imply that Sarah wanted to reconnect or establish an emotional or physical connection with her friend.

    • The sales representative reached out to the potential customer with a follow-up email, reminding her about the product's features and benefits.

      In this example, "reach out" is used in a business context. It means that the sales representative made an effort to communicate with the customer again to renew her interest in the product.

    • When Jenny lost her job, her coworkers reached out to her with job leads and words of encouragement.

      This example demonstrates the idiom's use as a way to show that people tried to connect with Jenny in a supportive and helpful way during a difficult time.

    • The artist reached out to his fans on social media, thanking them for their support and inviting them to his upcoming show.

      Here, "reach out" is employed to express the artist's efforts to communicate and connect with his audience via digital platforms. It could also imply that the artist wanted to extend his reach and contact more people.Overall, in every example, "reach out" signifies an attempt to communicate or connect with someone or something, either personally, professionally, or via a medium like social media.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "reach out" can be used to indicate making an effort to communicate with someone, seeking assistance or information, or extending one's influence or range.

    Origin of "reach out"

    The term "reach out" originated from the physical action of reaching one's hand out to someone or something. It has been used figuratively in English since at least the mid-20th century. The phrase gained popularity in the 1970s and has since become a common part of everyday language. Its use has expanded beyond the physical act of reaching to include various forms of communication and interaction. The idiom has evolved to encompass not only the literal act of reaching out physically but also the broader concept of making contact or seeking assistance. Its versatility has made it a widely used and understood expression in modern English.