spare
noun
Definitions of spare noun
- Countable
An additional item kept in reserve, available for use when needed, especially to replace a broken or missing part.
I always keep a spare tire in my car.
Please hand me a spare battery.
There are some spare parts in this toolbox.
- CountableUsually plural
A component kept in reserve to replace a similar part in a vehicle or other device when it is damaged or needs replacement.
You need to purchase some spare parts for the car.
The mechanic is looking for the required spares in the warehouse.
These spares should be sufficient to complete the repairs.
verb
Definitions of spare verb
save
- Transitive
To refrain from harming, injuring, or destroying something or someone.
The king decided to spare the lives of the prisoners.
Please spare me this time.
The small town was spared from the ravages of war.
avoid
- TransitiveVerb + two objects
To prevent someone from experiencing something unpleasant or unwanted.
He spared her the blame to protect her.
The rain spared us from working under the hot sun.
She was supposed to attend the meeting, but was spared.
give
- C1Transitive
To allocate or give something, such as time, money, or space, to someone, especially when it is challenging to do so.
Can you spare some time to help me?
I can't spare enough money to buy that.
We will spare as much space as possible for the new employees.
Phrases of spare verb
- not spare yourself
To make a maximum effort; to try one's hardest to achieve something without holding back.
• He never spared himself in order to complete the project.
- spare no effort/expense
To do something using maximum effort or resources, without holding back.
• We will spare no effort to complete this project.
- spare a thought for someone
To give some consideration to someone who is experiencing a difficult or unpleasant situation.
• While enjoying your meal, spare a thought for those who have little to eat.
- to spare
To have something remaining or available beyond what is needed.
• If you have time to spare, I would be happy to assist you with this task.
adjective
Definitions of spare adjective
extra
- B1
Available as an extra, not currently in use, and kept in reserve for when needed.
I brought a spare shirt.
This room is spare; you can use it.
We have some spare chairs here.
thin
- literary
Characterized by a tall and slender physique.
He had the spare figure of an athlete.
She is a woman with a spare frame.
He is tall but has a spare build.
simple
- literary
Simple and without unnecessary ornamentation or decoration.
The design of this room is spare.
She prefers a spare style.
The house features a spare decor.
Phrases of spare adjective
- spare time
Time available when one is free from work or other duties.
• She uses her spare time to learn new programming languages.
- go spare
To become extremely upset or angry.
• He went spare when he discovered his bicycle had been stolen.
Idioms
- Spare the rod and spoil the child
This idiom suggests that if children are not punished for their misbehavior, they will not learn to distinguish right from wrong.
• Despite modern approaches to parenting, the idea that 'spare the rod and spoil the child' still persists in some cultures.
- spare someone's blushes
to avoid causing someone embarrassment or shame.
• I didn't mention her lateness to spare her blushes.
- spare the rod and spoil the child
This idiom suggests that failing to punish a child's misbehavior will prevent them from learning proper conduct.
• Some people believe in the saying 'spare the rod and spoil the child,' while others oppose this idea of strict discipline.