grass

C1 · Advanced Countable noun British English · Slang

n. someone who tells the police or authorities about a person's secret or illegal activities.

n. a person who provides information to the authorities about criminal activity, especially a member of a criminal group who betrays their associates.

“The gang suspected there was a grass among them after the police raid.”

“In many underworld circles, being labelled a grass is a life-threatening accusation that leads to immediate social and physical exclusion.”

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Slang · Informal

n. a slang word for the drug marijuana.

n. a common slang term for cannabis or marijuana.

“He was arrested for possessing a small amount of grass.”

“The detective noted that the suspect used various coded terms, including grass, to discuss the distribution of narcotics over the phone.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Informal · Slang

n. the outside world or reality, often used when someone has spent too much time on the internet.

n. the physical world or reality, typically used in the imperative 'touch grass' to suggest someone reconnect with nature after excessive digital engagement.

“You have been arguing on Twitter all day; you really need to go outside and touch grass.”

“The phrase 'touch grass' has become a ubiquitous online retort aimed at those whose perspectives seem warped by excessive time spent in digital echo chambers.”

C1 · Advanced British English · Slang

v. to tell the police or someone in charge about something bad another person did.

v. to act as an informer or to betray a person by reporting their activities to the authorities.

“He promised not to grass on his friends after they broke the window.”

“The witness was hesitant to grass on the local syndicate, fearing the inevitable repercussions of cooperating with the investigation.”

C2 · Proficiency Technical

v. to cover an area of ground with grass.

v. to cover a surface with grass or turf.

“The workers began to grass the area around the new office building.”

“The project specifications required the contractor to grass the embankment immediately to prevent soil erosion during the autumn rains.”