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

  • (..) leukemia. Hi, I'm PJ. Um, I have neuroblastoma. I'm Patrick. Testicular. HAZEL: I'll spare you the gory details of Patrick's ball cancer. Basically, they found it in his nuts... they cut most of it out, and he almost died, but he didn't die. (..)
    2014 The Fault in Our Stars
  • (..) - It's under control. That's not how this works. We have an understanding... I let you into Agnes' life and you let me help bring down Kirk. If you have the spare time, I would think you'd be spending it trying to learn about your parents. I understand Scottie Hargrave offered you a job. (..)
    2016 TvShow: The Blacklist Title: Alexander Kirk (No. 14): Conclusion Season: 3 Episode 23
  • (..) That's the way. Fuck. I think we blew a tire. - Oh poop. - Oh, hell. At least we got that spare. You filled it up like I asked, right? Yeah, yeah. Okay, what if I forgot to put it back in the trunk? (..)
    2003 House of 1000 Corpses