Definition of the word pike out

The phrase "pike out" originally arose in the context of mountaineering. "Piking" refers to the practice of taking the easiest, most direct route up a mountain, usually by using a pony or a vehicle to reach high points that would otherwise be very difficult or time-consuming to ascend. This type of ascent is less challenging than climbing a peak using traditional mountaineering techniques, such as rock climbing or glacier travel. When a group of mountaineers encounter a particularly steep or challenging section of terrain, and some members decide to pike out and opt for an easier route, the others may say, "Oh, look! They're piking out!" This implies that the pikers are taking the easy way out and failing to fully embrace the spirit of the climb. Over time, the term "pike out" has come to be used more broadly to describe anyone who backs out of a difficult or challenging situation, whether in sports, business, or other areas of life. Its origins in mountaineering, however, remain a fascinating insight into the history of outdoor recreation and the way people have sought to test themselves against the natural world.