Definition of the Phrasal Verb “Bail Up”

“Bail up” is primarily used in Australian English and has a couple of distinct meanings:

1. To Stop and Confront:
   • To stop someone in their tracks and confront them, often demanding information or clarification. This usage is less common but can be found in informal contexts.
2. To Rob or Hold Up:
   • To stop and rob someone, often in a threatening manner. This usage is quite informal and specific to Australian slang.

Prepositions

• Before “bail up”: Often used with the noun or noun phrase representing who is being stopped or confronted.
  • Example: “They bailed up the driver for questioning.”
• After “bail up”: Typically followed by the noun or noun phrase representing who is being stopped or robbed.
  • Example: “The gang bailed up the cashier during the robbery.”

Collocations

• Bail up a person
• Bail up a vehicle
• Bail up for questioning
• Bail up in a robbery

Example Sentences

1. The police bailed up the suspect for questioning about the recent burglary.
2. He was bailed up by a group of protesters demanding answers.
3. The criminals bailed up the bank manager during the heist.
4. They were surprised when a stranger bailed them up on the street for directions.
5. The robbers bailed up the cashier and demanded all the money from the register.
6. She felt nervous when the officer bailed her up for an unexpected check.
7. The gang bailed up the delivery driver and took the shipment.
8. He was bailed up at the gas station by someone asking for money.
9. They bailed up the car in the middle of the road and demanded valuables.
10. The manager was bailed up by the union representatives about a labor dispute.
11. He was bailed up by reporters as he left the building.
12. The group bailed up the shopkeeper and threatened him until he complied.
13. They had to deal with the aftermath when a thief bailed up their store.
14. She was bailed up by the police at the checkpoint for a routine inspection.
15. The robbers successfully bailed up the armored vehicle and stole the cash.
16. He was bailed up in the parking lot by someone asking for help.
17. The security team managed to prevent the robbers from bailing up the bank.
18. She felt uneasy when approached and bailed up by a stranger in the park.
19. The gang bailed up the truck driver and forced him to hand over the keys.
20. He was bailed up at the entrance of the building by angry tenants.
21. They were relieved when the police arrived and stopped the robbers who had bailed up the store.
22. The officer bailed him up to ask about the suspicious activity in the area.
23. The group of thieves bailed up the restaurant and demanded money from the staff.
24. She was bailed up by a concerned citizen who wanted to report a problem.
25. The criminals bailed up the security guard and took his keys.
26. He was bailed up by the officials at the event for an unauthorized entry.
27. The gang’s plan to bail up the bank went awry when the alarm was triggered.
28. She was bailed up on her way home by someone asking for a ride.
29. The police had to bail up several suspects during the investigation.
30. The robbers planned to bail up the armored car on a deserted road.
31. He was bailed up by a group of angry customers at the store.
32. The cashier was bailed up by the robber and forced to open the register.
33. She was relieved when the police bailed up the suspect in the parking lot.
34. The gang managed to bail up the guard and take over the facility.
35. He felt intimidated when bailed up by a person demanding information.
36. The crew had to deal with the situation when thieves bailed up the loading dock.
37. She was bailed up for questioning by the investigators at the scene.
38. The group successfully bailed up the truck and made off with the goods.
39. He was bailed up in his own home by burglars.
40. The police officer bailed up the suspect on the street and asked for identification.
41. The criminals planned to bail up the security personnel during their shift.
42. She was bailed up at the entrance of the building by an unexpected visitor.
43. The gang’s attempt to bail up the armored vehicle was thwarted by security measures.
44. He was bailed up by a concerned neighbor who noticed suspicious activity.
45. The robbers managed to bail up the hotel lobby and demand money from the guests.
46. She was bailed up at the train station by someone asking for help.
47. The police successfully bailed up the suspects before they could escape.
48. The store manager was bailed up by the thieves during the robbery.
49. He was bailed up by the authorities for his involvement in the incident.
50. The robbers managed to bail up the ATM and retrieve the cash.