spring

A2 · Elementary Countable noun

n. a piece of curved metal that returns to its shape after being pushed.

n. an elastic object, typically a helical metal coil, that stores mechanical energy.

日本語:ばね※

“The springs in the old mattress were so worn that it was uncomfortable.”

“The engineer specified a heavy-duty steel spring to ensure the valve would close even under high pressure.”

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Geology

n. a place where water comes naturally out of the ground.

n. a natural point of groundwater discharge where the aquifer surface meets the ground.

日本語:泉※

“We hiked up the mountain to find the fresh water spring.”

“The village was originally settled near a thermal spring, which provided a reliable source of warm water throughout the winter.”

B1 · Intermediate

v. to move or jump suddenly and quickly.

v. to move suddenly or rapidly upward or forward; to leap.

“The cat was ready to spring onto the mouse at any moment.”

“As the starting pistol fired, the athletes seemed to spring from the blocks with explosive power.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. to appear or start to exist suddenly.

v. to arise or emerge suddenly from a source or state.

“New coffee shops began to spring up all over the city.”

“A feeling of hope began to spring in her heart after she heard the good news.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Informal

v. to suddenly tell someone news or show them something they did not expect.

v. to produce, provide, or disclose something unexpectedly.

“I didn't want to spring the bad news on him while he was eating.”

“The defense attorney decided to spring the new evidence during the final hour of the trial to catch the prosecution off guard.”

C1 · Advanced Slang · American English

v. to help someone get out of prison, often illegally.

v. to secure the release of someone from custody or imprisonment.

“In the movie, the hero tries to spring his friend from jail.”

“The gang plotted for months to spring their leader from the high-security facility during a transport transfer.”

C1 · Advanced Informal · American English

v. to pay for something, especially as a treat for someone else.

v. to pay for or spend money on something, often unexpectedly or as a gesture.

“Since it was my birthday, my brother offered to spring for dinner.”

“The company decided to spring for first-class tickets to reward the sales team for their record-breaking quarter.”