spare

Definition

  • verb: to forbear to destroy, punish, or harm
  • verb: to choose not to punish or harm (someone)
  • adjective: kept as something extra that can be used if it is needed
  • adjective: not being used
  • usually used in negative statements
  • synonyms: save, desist, stop

Examples

  • He got there 'with (only) minutes/seconds to spare'. [=he got there only minutes/seconds before he needed to; he got there just in time]

  • When they go on vacation, they 'spare no expense'. [=they do not worry about spending too much money; they spend a lot of money]

  • He said that he would 'spare no expense' [=he would spend as much money as necessary] to make the restaurant successful.

Movie clips

Movie quotes

  • (..) It was just a bit of fun. Oh,you're probably right,as usual. -You wiII keep an eye on Frodo,won't you? -Two eyes. As often as I can spare them. -I'm leaving everything to him. -What about this ring of yours? -Is that staying too? -Yes,yes. It's in an envelope over there on the mantelpiece. (..)
    2001 The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring