pan out

verb

panned out; panning out; pans out

intransitive verb

: 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

Synonyms

• come out
• fall out
• prove
• shake out
• turn out

Example Sentences

the eagerly anticipated kayaking trip never panned out

the investment scheme didn't quite pan out

Word History

Etymology

pan entry 2

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

pan out

verb

: turn out sense 5

especially : succeed