to spare

Idioms  

1. In addition to what is needed, extra, left over, as in We paid our bills and still had money to spare. This expression uses spare in the sense of “leftover” or “unused,” a usage dating from the late 1500s.

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Example Sentences

While brave founders voted for liberty, the general had to stare down the British army.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 3, 2026

This arrangement will allow me to immerse myself without being tempted to stare at my phone when I’m with my kid.

From Slate • May 10, 2026

So it is worth taking a moment to stare into the abyss and think through what the world—and your investment portfolio—might look like if the strait still isn’t open by Labor Day or by Christmas.

From Barron's • May 1, 2026

She's not afraid to stare down injustice, or to confront her demons before they swallow her whole.

From BBC • Jan. 8, 2026

They walked out of the room, leaving me and Pita to stare at each other.

From "Summer of the Mariposas" by Guadalupe García McCall