adv. or adj. phr. , informal 1a. With a score better than zero in a game; especially a card game, to a score above zero. It took us a long time to get out of the hole in the card game. 1b. Even with an opponent after being behind; out of trouble in a sport or game. The team played very hard, but could not get out of the hole. 2. Out of debt; ahead financially. It was a small business, but it was wisely managed, and it kept out of the hole. The first year was bad, but after that Fred got out of the hole.
Antonym: IN THE HOLE.