# spring for

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/spring-for
Updated: 2026-10-23

## Definition

to pay for something, especially when it is a treat or something expensive for yourself or others.

For teachers: to pay for or purchase something, typically as a treat or an upgrade; often implies a degree of generosity or a decision to spend more than the minimum required.

## Examples

- I think I'll spring for the expensive wine tonight.
- Since it was her birthday, her parents decided to spring for a first-class plane ticket.
- The department head eventually agreed to spring for the high-end software licenses, acknowledging that the cheaper alternatives were insufficient for the team's needs.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He springed for the dinner." but "He sprang for the dinner." — the verb 'spring' is irregular; the past tense is 'sprang' or 'sprung', never 'springed'.

## Usage notes

- the object is usually a luxury, an upgrade, or a gift for someone else.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'pay for' to show the nuance of 'treating' someone; the image of 'springing' suggests a sudden, slightly impulsive decision to spend.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.