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

  • (..) Go on. Don't let nothing happen to Mr. Jingle. You switched them. You switched them somehow, you bastards. I always keep a spare mouse in my wallet for occasions such as this. Yeah, you playing with me, huh? Both of you. Just who the hell you think you are? Aah! (..)
    1999 The Green Mile