Phrasal verb
spit on
Definition
phrasal verb. to force liquid from your mouth onto someone or something, usually to show that you hate them or have no respect for them.
phrasal verb. to eject saliva from the mouth onto a target; frequently used figuratively to indicate extreme contempt or a total lack of respect for a person, law, or tradition.
Examples
“The angry man spit on the ground.”
“During the protest, a few people tried to spit on the police officers, which only made the situation worse.”
“To ignore these safety regulations is to effectively spit on the memory of those who died to establish them.”
Examples
simple
“The angry man spit on the ground.”
contextual
“During the protest, a few people tried to spit on the police officers, which only made the situation worse.”
complex
“To ignore these safety regulations is to effectively spit on the memory of those who died to establish them.”
Usage
takes a direct object representing the target; the past tense can be 'spit' or 'spat'.
Teaching tip
highlight the difference between the literal physical act and the figurative meaning of showing deep disrespect; note that 'spat on' is the more common past tense in British English.
Pitfall
He spit to the floor.
He spit on the floor.
the verb requires the preposition 'on' to indicate the surface or target receiving the saliva.
Phrasal verb
Particles
on
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
spit + on + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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