capacity to bend or alter in shape under pressure:plastic pots that have enough give to accommodate the vigorous roots
ability to adapt; flexibility:there is no give at all in the British position
ზმნა
Universal
1 [with two objects] freely transfer the possession of (something) to (someone):she gave him presents and clothesthe cheque given to the jeweller proved worthless [with object]:he gave the papers back
[with object] hand over (an amount) in payment; pay:how much did you give for that?
[with object] used hyperbolically to express how greatly one wants to have or do something:I’d give anything for a cup of tea
[with object] commit or entrust:a baby given into their care by the accident of her birth
[with object] freely set aside or devote for a purpose:all who have given thought to the matter agree [no object]:committees who give so generously of their time and effort
[with object] dated (of a man) sanction the marriage of (his daughter) to someone:he gave her in marriage to a noble
(give oneself to) dated (of a woman) consent to have sexual intercourse with (a man):she was a woman who would not give herself to a man lightly
2 [with two objects] cause or allow (someone or something) to have or experience (something); provide with:you gave me such a fright [with object]:this leaflet gives our opening times
provide (love or other emotional support) to:his parents gave him the encouragement he needed (as adjective giving)he was very giving and supportive
allow (someone) to have (a specified amount of time) for an activity or undertaking:give me a second to bring the car around [with object]:I’ll give you until tomorrow morning
pass on (an illness or infection) to (someone):I hope I don’t give you my cold
pass (a message) to (someone):give my love to all the girls
[usually in imperative] make a connection to allow (someone) to speak to (someone else) on the telephone:give me the police
3 [with object] carry out or perform (a specified action):I gave a bow [with two objects]:he gave the counter a polish
produce (a sound):he gave a gasp
present (an appearance or impression):he gave no sign of life
provide (a party or social meal) as host or hostess:a dinner given in honour of an American diplomat [with two objects]:Kate gave him a leaving party
4 [with object] yield as a product or result:milk is sometimes added to give a richer cheese
(give something off/out/forth) emit odour, vapour, or similar substances:some solvents give off toxic fumes
5 [with object] concede (something) as valid or deserved in respect of (someone):give him his due
allot (a score) to:I gave it five out of ten
(give something for) place a specified value on (something):he never gave anything for French painting
sentence (someone) to (a specified penalty):for the first offence I was given a fine
[with object and complement] (of an umpire or referee) declare whether or not (a player) is out or offside:Gooch was given out, caught behind
adjudicate that (a goal) has been legitimately scored:the referee gave the goal
6 [with object] state or put forward (information or argument):he did not give his name
pledge or offer as a guarantee: [with two objects]:I give you my word
[with two objects, usually with negative] say to (someone) as an excuse or inappropriate answer:don’t give me any of your backchat
deliver (a judgement) authoritatively:I gave my verdict
informal predict that (an activity or relationship) will last no longer than (a specified time):this is a place that will not improve with time—I give it three weeks
[no object] informal tell what one knows:okay, give—what’s that all about?
7 [no object] alter in shape under pressure rather than resist or break:that chair doesn’t give
yield or give way to pressure:the heavy door didn’t give until the fifth push figurativewhen two people who don’t get on are thrust together, something’s got to give
[no object]North American informal concede defeat; surrender:I give!
give oneself airs
act pretentiously or snobbishly.
give and take
mutual concessions and compromises:there has to be give and take on both sides
give as good as one gets
respond with equal force when attacked:her male colleagues do tease her, but she says, ‘I just give as good as I get’
give the game (or show) away
inadvertently reveal something secret:to make sure he didn’t give the game away I gave him a swift kick in the shin under the table
give it to someone
informal scold or punish someone:I’m gonna give it to you like my daddy gave it to me!
give me ——
I prefer or admire ——:give me the mainland any day!
give me a break
informal used to express exasperation, protest, or disbelief:give me a break—I just deliver the stuff
give someone one
British vulgar slang (of a man) have sexual intercourse with a woman.
give or take ——
informal
to within a specified amount:three hundred and fifty years ago, give or take a few
apart from:it’s a process that runs fairly smoothly, give or take the occasional glitch
give rise to
cause to happen:decisions which give rise to arguments
give someone to understand (or believe or know)
inform someone in a rather indirect way:I was given to understand that I had been invited
