| Idiom | Meaning | Example |
| give no quarter |
not co-operate or concede, drive a hard bargain
|
When he negotiates a contract, he gives no quarter. He's firm.
|
| give notice |
give a letter that says you are leaving or quitting
|
If I want to leave the position, I give them two weeks notice.
|
| give off an odor |
smell, have an odor
|
After sitting in the sun, the dead fish gave off a strong odor.
|
| give out |
break, stop operating, conk out
|
After three hours of steady use, the pump gave out. It just quit.
|
| give them a hand |
clap your hands, applaud
|
Let's give them a hand, folks. They sang very well.
|
| give them what for |
give them a lecture, scold them, give you hell
|
After the team lost a game, the coach gave 'em what for.
|
| give up |
stop trying, not try any more
|
I give up. I can't remember who invented the telephone.
|
| give up the blueline (hockey) |
let opponents cross the blueline before you check them
|
If we give up the blueline, they will get more shots on goal.
|
| give up the ghost |
stop hoping after a long time
|
When will she give up the ghost? Her son has been gone for years.
|
| give you a boost |
cause you to be confident, encourage you
|
Winning that award will give her a boost. It will encourage her.
|
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