If your garden is overflowing, be a good neighbor and 'spread the wealth'. [=give some of what is growing in your garden to neighbors]
He's known as a comic actor, but he's 'spreading his wings' and trying a serious role in his new movie.
The plant will 'spread'. [=the plant will produce more plants in the area around it]
(..) and now they've sent him back to us. - What for? - Never mind what for. To muddy the water, that's what for. To spread a whole lot of damn nonsense to get us chasing our tails. The point is this. He's heading for home. The first peep from him, you come to the grown-ups. (..)2011 Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy