pan out

verb

panned out; panning out; pans out

: to happen, end, or develop in a particular way : turn out

I'm really enjoying how this is all panning out now and it is so exciting and intriguing to watch and find out what happens next …—

Gary Neville

especially : succeed

… the signs revealed that the experiment wasn't panning out … —

Ronald Reagan

She [Dixie Hollins] noted that learning about arts and entertainment fills her creative side and works as a great plan B if her goal of working in the medical field doesn't pan out. —

Karin Davis-Thompson

Examples of pan out in a Sentence

the eagerly anticipated kayaking trip never panned out the investment scheme didn't quite pan out

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

And if the polling pans out, Trump could assemble the most multi-racial coalition since Nixon, winning record numbers of black, Latino, Muslim, and gay votes. —

Tony Peters, Newsweek, 8 Dec. 2024 The movie has been a surprise hit in a time when many adult dramas do not pan out. —

Jordan Moreau, Variety, 6 Dec. 2024 Their Paris Pro pan is our top pick out of all of the nonstick pans out there for its functionality, value, and, of course, its reliably slick surface. —

Emily Farris, Bon Appétit, 3 Dec. 2024 If a sale doesn't pan out, other options TikTok watchers are speculating about include Congress repealing the law — which currently appears unlikely, according to those close to the talks. —

Bobby Allyn, NPR, 27 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pan out