leave1 verbleave2 noun
leaveleave1 /liːv/ ●●● S1 W1 verb (past tense and past participle left /left/) 
WORD ORIGINleave1
Origin:
Old English læfanVERB TABLE
leave
| Simple Form | ||
| Present | I, you, we, they | leave |
| he, she, it | leaves | |
| Past | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | left |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have left |
| he, she, it | has left | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had left |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will leave |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have left |
| Continuous Form | ||
| Present | I | am leaving |
| he, she, it | is leaving | |
| you, we, they | are leaving | |
| Past | I, he, she, it | was leaving |
| you, we, they | were leaving | |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have been leaving |
| he, she, it | has been leaving | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had been leaving |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will be leaving |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have been leaving |
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- "Where's Marcia?" "Oh, she left last week to have her baby."
- After leaving the Navy, he started a new career in journalism.
- After 30 years, Paige is leaving the company.
- Always leave enough fuel for the next person to build a fire with.
- Brian's parents talked him out of leaving college.
- Chamberlain was a Cabinet Minister until he left the Liberal party in 1886.
- Church officials are concerned about all the people who have left.
- Coaches leave from Victoria every hour.
- Collins leaves a wife and three children.
- Hand back the identity card when you leave the building.
- He left £1000 to each of the nurses who had looked after him.
- He left his hometown when he was 16, and he hasn't been back there since.
- Her plane leaves Hong Kong at 10.00.
- I'm leaving for Paris on Tuesday.
- I'm sure I left my bag somewhere around here.
- I'm surprised that Kent left her.
- I left home when I was 14.
- I can't find my coat - I must have left it at work.
- I hated school and couldn't wait to leave.
- I have to leave early tomorrow morning to fly to Detroit.
- Cut the fillets into serving pieces but leave steaks whole.
- He offered me four grand, all he had left from the game, and I took it.
- I was glad we had not gone away as my uncles had and left Omite alone.
- It leaves less to the discretion of the court and has decided on a maximum sentence of just five years.
- It had not left much time to arrange for a reception committee.
- It seemed unbelievable that they would stand aside and let them leave like this.
- Small wonder, then, that heart disease kills a quarter of us and leaves another third chronically disabled.
- What legacy are we leaving for future generations?
THESAURUSto leave a place
· Just as I was leaving the house, the phone rang.· We left early to avoid the traffic.
especially spoken to leave somewhere: · Come on, boys, it’s time to go.· When does the next bus go?
especially British English to leave somewhere and begin a journey: · The following day we set off for Vienna.
if a plane takes off, it leaves the ground at the beginning of a flight: · Our plane took off late because of the fog.
to leave your own country in order to live permanently in another country: · In 2002, his family emigrated to New Zealand.
formal to leave – used especially about trains, buses, planes etc: · Coaches depart for the airport every 30 minutes.
to leave school/college etc especially British English to finish studying at school or college, usually at the age or time when people normally finish: · When James left school, he worked for a while with his father.· She found it hard to get a job after leaving university.
to successfully finish your studies at a college or university, or at an American high school: · Kelly graduated from Harvard with a degree in East Asian Studies.· Approximately 80% of Americans graduate from high school.
to leave school, college, or university before your course of study has finished, because you do not want to continue with it: · I failed my first year exams and decided to drop out and get a job.
American English to leave school without finishing your course of study: · He quit school at fourteen to work and help support his family.
leave your job · I left my last job because the salary was so low.· Why don’t you just leave?
to leave your job permanently because you are not happy with it: · After enduring months of harassment, Mrs Collins decided to quit her job.· I’ve told them I’m quitting.
to officially announce that you have decided to leave your job: · The company director was forced to resign over the scandal.
to write an official letter to your employer saying that you are going to leave your job on a particular date: · You have to hand in your notice at least four weeks before you leave.
to leave your job in order to stop working permanently, usually because you have reached the age when most people stop working: · After forty years of working for the bank, Karl retired in May.· He had to retire because of ill health.
Longman Language Activatorto go away from a place · Just as I was leaving, the phone rang.· I want to see you before I leave.· The police wanted to know what time he had left the office.· Hand back the identity card when you leave the building.
especially spoken to leave: · Let's go.· When does the next bus go?· We stayed another ten minutes and then we went.· I'll have to go soon - was there anything else you wanted to talk about?· Don't go just yet - it's not that late!
to leave a room, house, or building, especially when you intend to return very soon: · I'm just going out for a minute, I won't be long.go out of: · As she went out of the room she slammed the door.go out to do something: · He's just gone out to buy some bread.
to leave a place, often for a long time or permanently: · I'm going away next week. Would you mind feeding the cat for me?· "Are you going away this summer?" "Yes, we're going to Greece in August."· He's been really unhappy since she went away.
to leave a place suddenly or for a particular purpose, especially if you do not explain why you are going: · They just went off, without even saying goodbye.· Many trainees don't finish the course and go off and work in other areas.go off to do something: · When we could not find out what was wrong with the car, Billy went off to find a phone.
what you say when you are going to leave British /I'm outta here American informal · Okay, I'm off now.· Right. I'm off to bed.· That's it. I'm outta here!
British /I gotta go American said when you have to go somewhere: · Anyway, I gotta go. Catch up with you later.I must be going: · I must be going. I've got to pick the kids up at four.
British said when you have to hurry: · I'll have another coffee ,and then I must dash.
also I'd better make a move British said when you want to start getting ready to leave soon: · We'd better make tracks, or we'll miss our train.· I think we'd better make a move before it gets dark.
said when you want to leave quickly to avoid danger or something unpleasant: · Oh no. It's him again. I'm getting out of here!
ways of telling someone to leave · I wish you'd all just go away and leave me alone!· Major Ferguson opened a window, and shouted to the waiting reporters: "You're wasting your time. Go away!"
said when you want someone to leave the room, house etc immediately because you are angry with them or because there is some danger: · Get out! Just get out will you? I never want to see you again!get out of here!: · Get out of here and leave me alone!
also push off/clear off British said when you want someone to go away because they are annoying you: · I've told you before that we don't need our windows cleaning, so just clear off and don't come back!· Look, just push off will you. You're getting on my nerves.· Get lost you creep! Stop following me.
American informal said when you want someone to go away because they are annoying you: · Beat it, you two. I've had enough of you for one day.
to leave at the start of a journey · I have to leave early tomorrow morning to fly to Detroit.· Her plane leaves Hong Kong at 10.00.· When are you leaving to go on holiday?· When we arrived at the bus station, the bus had just left.leave for · I'm leaving for Paris on Tuesday.leave from · Coaches leave from Victoria every hour.
especially spoken to leave: · Let's go!· The trip is all planned - we're going in September.· Do you know what time the next bus goes?· I've packed all my bags, and I'm ready to go.
especially British to leave somewhere and begin a journey: · If we set off early in the morning we should reach the coast before dark.set off for: · We set off for Brighton in good spirits.
British informal to leave and begin a journey: · I think we'd better be off now - it'll take at least an hour to get to the airport.be off to: · When are you off to Canada?
to leave - used especially in official information about times when trains, planes, buses etc leave: · The bus was due to depart at any moment.depart from: · The 12.15 shuttle service to Atlanta will depart from platform 16.depart for: · The 06:33 Pullman will depart from London Euston from platform 4.· The train departs Waterloo at 09:00 hours on Saturday.
if a plane takes off , it leaves the ground at the beginning of a flight: · Children spent hours watching the planes take off and land.· This is your Captain speaking. We are due to take off in five minutes.take off from: · Planes were unable to take off from Gatwick owing to high winds.
to quickly start driving a car away from somewhere: · Eddie ran out of the house, jumped into his car, and drove off.· Someone had smashed into her car, and then just driven off.· Adrian just had time to see his father jump into the truck and drive off in a cloud of dust.
if a train pulls out , it slowly gains speed as it leaves the station at the start of a journey: · We got there just as the train was pulling out.
to leave the port at the start of a journey by sea: · Thousands of people stood waving on the quay as the Titanic set sail.(set) sail for: · In November 1928, she set sail for India and arrived in Calcutta seven weeks later.(set) sail from: · It was a bitterly cold morning when we sailed from Dover.
to leave a room or building for a short time British informal /step out especially American to leave a room or building for a short time: · I'm just nipping out to get some milk. Does anyone want anything?· She just stepped out for a breath of fresh air.
to leave quickly in order to avoid trouble, danger etc · They ran off as soon as they heard the police car coming.run off/away to · My brother ran away to South America to escape his debts.· Zimmerman was so scared, he just ran off.· Why did you run off like that? Was Joey nasty to you?
British informal to leave a place very quickly, often in order to avoid a difficult situation: · Arthur shot off before anyone could say anything.· I've really got to shoot off - I said I'd be home ten minutes ago.
British informal if you do not see someone for dust , they leave somewhere very quickly in order to avoid something, especially something that they should stay for: · If you tell him it's his turn to buy the drinks, you won't see him for dust!
informal to quickly leave a place when something embarrassing or awkward is likely to happen: · You'd better make yourselves scarce before the manager gets here.· When Gary and Clare began to argue, Reg decided to make himself scarce.
to leave after doing something wrong or illegal to leave after doing something wrong or illegal without being caught: · Police surrounded the building, but somehow the gunman managed to escape.escape from: · He was one of nine men who escaped from prison in July.escape through/by etc: · Four prisoners escaped through a hole in the fence.escape with: · Thieves escaped with jewelry and $130,000 in cash.
to succeed in leaving after doing something wrong or illegal, especially after being chased: · We ran after the mugger as fast as we could, but he got away.· He got away down a back alley.get away with: · Thieves got away with silver and several valuable paintings, including one by Picasso.
to leave quickly after a crime, especially in a way that you have arranged: · The robbers made their getaway in a stolen car, which was waiting for them outside the bank.
to leave quietly or secretly to leave quietly taking care not to be seen, usually when you want to do something else: · Occasionally she and a friend would sneak off during their free study hour.sneak off/away/out from: · I don't know what he's up to, but he sneaks away from work early every Tuesday.sneak off/away/out to: · Annie had sneaked out to the bar, hoping that her parents wouldn't notice she was gone.
to leave quietly and without being noticed: · Harriet glanced around, wondering if she could slip out unnoticed.slip out/away to do something: · When everyone was busy talking I slipped away to join Beth for a quiet drink.
British informal to leave somewhere quietly and secretly, especially when you are avoiding work: · While the manager was away, Brian took the opportunity to slope off home an hour early every day.slope off to: · "Where's Sam?" "I saw him sloping off to the pub half an hour ago."
to leave somewhere quietly, without being seen, especially because you are ashamed or afraid: · Alyssia had dumped her fiancé just two weeks before the wedding, and then slunk off to the south of France.
to leave somewhere angrily · Furious by now, I walked out, leaving him sitting there shocked and white-faced.
to leave a room after a quarrel in a very noisy and angry way: · She yelled at me and stormed out, slamming the door behind her.storm out of: · He has been known to storm out of meetings on several occasions.
if someone, especially a woman, flounces out of a room, meeting, restaurant etc, she leaves in a way which shows that she is angry or thinks she has been treated unfairly: · "I'm not putting up with your sexist comments any more,'' said Gilly, flouncing out.flounce out of: · She flounced out of the restaurant, got into her car, and drove off into the night.
to leave unwillingly to leave a place or person very unwillingly because you have to: · The view was so magnificent that it was difficult to tear ourselves away.tear/force yourself away from: · Jake watched as police officers examined the body. It was a horrible sight, but he couldn't tear himself away from it.
also find it difficult to leave to feel it is extremely difficult to leave a person or place that you like very much: · Kim couldn't bear to leave Danny, and cried all the way to the airport.· Ballesteros has always found it difficult to leave his home in Pedrena.can hardly bear to leave: · We'd had such a great vacation, we could hardly bear to leave.
to make someone leave a room or building also chuck somebody out British informal to make someone leave a room, building etc, especially because they have been behaving badly: · If you don't stop shouting, they'll throw us all out.· They got kicked out of the bar for starting a fight.
to tell someone to leave a building because they have done something that they should not have done or because they are not allowed in there: · A couple of security guards showed me the door after they saw my camera.· She lost her temper, started screaming, and was immediately shown the door.
British to make someone leave a public place by using force: · The manager threatened to have them ejected if there was any more trouble.eject from: · Several demonstrators were ejected from the hall.
when an army leaves a place, for example after a battle if an army or group of soldiers retreats , it leaves an area because it is being defeated: · Lieutenant Peterson shouted the order to retreat.· In 1443, the Hungarian army advanced into Serbia, and the Turks were forced to retreat.
to leave an area, either to avoid being defeated or because the fighting has stopped: · As a result of the Paris peace negotiations, most American forces withdrew from Vietnam in 1973.
if an army or group of soldiers pulls out , it leaves a place, especially because it might be defeated: pull out of: · Troops began pulling out of the region as soon as the order was given.
when a crowd of people leave a place if police or soldiers disperse a crowd, or if a crowd disperses , all the people in the crowd leave in different directions: · Twenty five officers were injured when police moved in to disperse a crowd of 200-300 youths.· The crowd began dispersing as soon as the ambulance had driven away.· The arrival of armed police made the students disperse.
if a crowd scatters ,the people in the crowd leave quickly in different directions, especially because they are frightened: · There was a sudden crack of gunfire, and the crowd scattered.· The demonstrators suddenly turned and scattered in all directions.
to permanently leave the house where you live to leave your home or the area where you live: · This has been such a lovely home - I'll be sorry to leave.· He left his hometown when he was 16, and he hasn't been back there since.· Thousands of people have already left the capital in order to get away from the fighting.
to permanently leave your home, usually one you rent or share with someone else, taking all your possessions with you: · If the landlord raises the rent again, we'll just have to move out.· Diana and I aren't together any more. I've moved out.move out of: · Tom moved out of his apartment in Toronto last month.
if a young person leaves home , they leave their parents' house because they think they are old enough to live on their own: · Gwen had left home at 18 to find a job in New York.· The house is getting too big for us now that both the children have left home.· Jane was sure that her decision to leave home and marry Joe was the right one.
if a young person runs away , they secretly leave their parents' home or the place where they are living because they are very unhappy there: · I ran away at the age of twelve, but my Dad came and found me at the bus station before I could leave town.run away to: · At the age of fifteen, Malcolm ran away to California.run away from home: · Thousands of children run away from home each year.
a word used especially in hotels, on notices etc meaning to leave the room or house you have been staying in, taking all your possessions with you: · Guests are requested to vacate their rooms before 12 o'clock on the day of departure.
to leave your house and go to live in another one · We're moving tomorrow, so I won't be at work for a couple of days.move to · We're hoping to move to a bigger house by the end of the year.· In her early years her family had moved from one town to another, and she had never felt settled anywhere.
British to leave your house and go to live in another one: · I'm not looking forward to moving house -- it'll be a lot of work.· "When are you moving house?" "Next week, if everything goes to plan."
to make someone leave the house where they live also chuck somebody out British to force someone to leave the place where they live: · Why were you thrown out of your apartment?· Their landlord's threatening to chuck them out.throw somebody out on the street (=make someone leave their home immediately, even if they have nowhere else to go): · She was thrown out on the street when her family discovered she was pregnant.
to legally force someone to leave the house where they are living, especially because they should not be there or they have not paid their rent: · If we are evicted, we'll have nowhere to go.· They had been evicted for non-payment of rent.· Her mother, who has now been evicted from her home too, is staying with friends.
to tell someone officially that they must leave the place they are renting by a particular date: · How many weeks' notice does your landlord have to give you?give somebody notice to leave/quit: · It came as a complete surprise to them when they were given notice to quit their premises within six days.
to leave your country or the area where you live to leave your own country to live permanently in another country, especially one which is far away: · Millie's brother Dennis, and his wife Joan, decided to emigrate the following year.emigrate to: · They later got married and emigrated to Australia in 1936.emigrate from: · My parents emigrated from Britain to New Zealand just before I was born.
if people, birds, or animals migrate , they leave their country or area in large numbers, but usually only for a limited period, in order to find food, warmer weather etc: · How do birds know when to migrate, and how do they find their way back home?migrate to: · Where there are areas of high unemployment, workers tend to migrate to other, wealthier parts of the country.
the movement of a large number of people who leave their country, city etc because they do not want to live there any longer, or because it is not safe for them to stay: · The exodus of refugees continued throughout the autumn.mass exodus (=when almost everyone leaves): · The island is facing a mass exodus of its young people.
to make someone leave a country to make a foreigner leave a country because they have broken the law, or for political reasons: · The new government banned books, seized passports, expelled foreigners, and legalized detention without trial.expel from: · Two foreign diplomats were expelled form Ethiopia on March 31.
if the authorities in a country deport a foreign person or a member of a particular race who is living in that country, they force them to leave: deport to: · The man has been deported back to the Irish Republic where he will face terrorism charges.deport from: · Several football supporters were deported from Italy during the World Cup.
to officially send someone back to another country where they are believed to have committed a crime, in order to be tried in a court of law: · The drug baron was extradited to the United States from Colombia.· Spanish authorities are seeking to have the couple extradited to answer further charges.
to officially send someone back to their home country, often by force and against their will: · Italy is using military helicopters to repatriate 292 Albanian refugees.· There was to be a cease-fire, and all prisoners of war were to be repatriated.
to make someone leave their country for political reasons, for example because they oppose the government and are fighting against it: · The leader of the coup was exiled and the others imprisoned.· The Prince and his family were sent into exile after the revolution.
to send someone away permanently from their country or from the area where they live, as an official punishment: banish to: · Napoleon was banished to the island of St Helena in 1815.
to permanently leave your school, college etc · I hated school and couldn't wait to leave.· I worked in an office when I first left school.· In the past, girls tended to leave full-time education earlier than boys.
to successfully finish your studies at a university or at an American high school or college: · What are you going to do after you graduate?· When I graduate I want to study law at the Northeastern university.graduate from: · We both graduated from the same high school in Queens.
to leave school, college, or university before your course of study has finished and have no intention of returning: college/high-school dropout: · One third of the city's students drop out before graduation.drop out of: · He dropped out of art college and joined a band.
someone who leaves school or college British someone who has left or who is going to leave school, college, or university, especially someone who is looking for a job: · Most towns have a careers service to help school-leavers find suitable jobs.· Fashion retailer seeks Sales Assistant - would suit enthusiastic school-leaver.
someone who has left school, college or university before their course of study has finished and who has no intention of returning: high-school/college dropout: · His mother is a high-school dropout, trying to raise four children on less than $500 a month.
to make someone leave school or college to make someone leave school or college permanently because they have behaved badly: expel somebody for something: · The principal expelled John for stealing.get/be expelled: · If they catch you dealing drugs, you'll get expelled.
also chuck out British informal to make someone leave school, college, or university permanently because of bad behaviour or for failing examinations: · She said she'd kick us out if she caught us doing it again.throw/kick out of: · Do your parents know you've been kicked out of school yet?· He got chucked out of the LSE.
to officially say that a student can no longer attend his or her school, either for a short time or permanently, as a punishment for bad behaviour: · The report concluded that far more boys were excluded each year than girls.· The governing body decided to exclude Declan for two weeks.exclude from: · Kids who are excluded from school often end up getting into trouble with the police.
to leave a job or organization · "Where's Marcia?" "Oh, she left last week to have her baby."· The directors did not want Daniel to leave, but they knew he could earn much more somewhere else.· I left my last job because I couldn't get along with my boss.· Chamberlain was a Cabinet Minister until he left the Liberal party in 1886.· After leaving the Navy, he started a new career in journalism.
to leave a job or organization especially because you are not happy with it, or because you think you could do better somewhere else: · I've had enough of the way I'm treated here -- I quit!· She quite her job and went traveling in South America.quit as: · Harkness quit as director of the Olympic Regional Development Authority soon afterwards.
to officially and permanently leave a job, for example because you are no longer happy with it, or because the people you work with do not think you are doing it properly: · Nixon was the first US President to resign before the end of his term of office.· I wanted to resign, but my boss persuaded me to stay.resign from: · She resigned from the board after profits fell by a further 3%.· Roberts replaces Jacob Winters, who resigned from the firm last month.resign as: · The following years, he resigned as chairman of the committee.resign your post/position: · The manager was forced to resign his post after allegations of corruption.
to permanently leave your job, usually because you have reached the age when most people stop working: · In the UK, men usually retire in their late 50s or early 60s.· If you retire at 50, you won't get your full pension.retire from: · When Jean retired from modelling, she moved to Cornwall.· Jim Rutland retired from the Navy last year.retire as: · He retired as Principal ten years ago, but still does a lot of fund-raising for the school.
to write an official letter to your employer saying that you are going to leave your job on a particular date: · You have to hand in your notice at least four weeks before you leave.· The Foreign Minister officially handed in his resignation on December 11th.
British informal to leave your job, especially because you are bored with it: · Look if it's such a boring job, why don't you just jack it in?· Sometimes I feel like packing it all in and going off on a round-the-world trip.
when someone is forced to leave their job · After she lost her job, she got more and more depressed and started drinking heavily.· Many people won't complain about pay and conditions because they're terrified of losing their jobs.
also dismiss formal to make someone leave their job, especially because they have done something wrong: · He was just impossible to work with, and in the end they fired him.· Harris was caught stealing, and was dismissed immediately.· You're fired!fire/dismiss somebody for something: · She was fired for serious professional misconduct.fire from: · When Max was fired from his job the whole family had to pack up and leave town.· A New York art teacher who refused to take part in the daily flag ceremony was dismissed from her post.
British to make someone leave their job, for example, because they are not good enough at it, they are no longer needed, or they have done something wrong: · We can't really give him the sack just because he's unpopular.sack somebody for something: · He was sacked for being drunk in the office.get the sack (=be sacked): · He had the good luck to work in an old family firm when nobody ever got the sack.
to make workers, especially workers in a large factory or organization, leave their jobs, because there is not enough work for them to do, or not enough money to pay their wages: lay off somebody/lay somebody off: · 3000 car workers have been laid off at the factory in Cleveland.
British to make someone leave their job, and usually pay them some money to do so, because they are no longer needed: · At least 2,000 computer programmers have been made redundant in the past year.· We lost our home when my husband was made redundant five years ago.
British a situation in which someone has to leave their job, and is usually paid some money to do so, because they are no longer needed by their company: · These redundancies are necessary for the company to be able to survive.· The board are planning a restructuring which could mean hundreds of redundancies.voluntary redundancy (=when a company asks workers if they want to leave their jobs, and offers to pay them money to do so): · We hope to achieve staffing cuts through voluntary redundancy and a freeze on recruitment.
to make someone leave a job or organization temporarily, either as a punishment for doing something wrong, or while the organization tries to find out whether they have done something wrong or not: · Two senior officials have been suspended on full pay pending a second internal inquiry.suspend from: · The Police Department has suspended six officers from duty while they investigate claims of fraud and corruption.
to tell someone that they must leave their job, either immediately or in a week, a month etc: · The company are planning to close down, and we've all been given two weeks' notice.· In the course of restructuring, over half the workforce were given their notice.
if someone with an important official job is relieved of their duties or post , their job is taken away from them, especially for a short time because people think they have done something very bad and this is being checked: · The Chief Inspector has been relieved of his duties pending another investigation by fellow officers.· The authorities have decided to relieve the professor of his post at the university until further notice, after complaints were made by one of his female students.
to make someone leave a political party etc to officially make someone leave an organization, especially because they have done something wrong or harmful to the organization: · They threatened to expel him if he didn't follow the party line.expel from: · In May the Nationalists were expelled from the government.
also chuck out British informal to officially make someone leave an organization, especially because they have done something wrong or harmful to the organization: · At the age of fourteen she was kicked out of the Young Communist League.· They are relying on the fact that Britain cannot be thrown out of the European Union.
something that is given when someone leaves also farewell American: leaving party/present/gift/card etc a party etc that is arranged for or given to someone who is leaving their job: · Are you going to Katie's leaving party on Friday?· She received a beautiful Waterford Crystal clock as a farewell present from all her colleagues.
: farewell speech/dinner etc a speech, dinner etc that happens because someone is leaving somewhere, especially when this is a formal or officially organized event: · A farewell dinner was given in her honour.· Eisenhower's farewell address to the American people
when someone leaves the army, air force, or navy to leave the army, air force, or navy without permission: · The three men had tried to desert, but were brought back to camp and shot.desert from: · He obtained the grenades from a friend who had deserted from the army.
informal to leave your army unit without permission, often for a short period of time: · He went AWOL while on duty in Northern Ireland.
to allow or force someone to leave the army, air force, or navy: · When Danny was discharged in 1961, he went to Los Angeles, looking for work.discharge from: · He lost both his legs in an explosion and was discharged from the navy.
to leave your husband, wife, girlfriend etc · She promised faithfully that she would never leave him.leave somebody for somebody else · Simon has left me for his secretary, after fifteen years of marriage.
to suddenly leave your husband, wife, girlfriend etc in a way that they think is unfair: · I was three months pregnant when Peter walked out.walk out on: · She remembered the day her father had walked out on them and how her mother had just sat on the stairs and cried.
to suddenly leave your husband or wife in order to live with someone else and have a sexual relationship with them: · His wife ran off with one of the doctors at the hospital.
to leave your family, husband, children etc to avoid the responsibility of looking after them: · Mrs Hasan was deserted by her husband and had to support four children on her own.· His father had deserted the family when Graham was three years old.
to leave someone who depends on you for support, especially a child or animal: · The baby was found abandoned outside a local mosque.· My sister abandoned her husband and three children and went to live in Holland.· a home for abandoned kittens and puppies
to make a husband, wife, girlfriend etc leave also chuck out British informal to make someone such as your husband, wife etc leave because they have hurt you, made you angry etc: · He threw her out when he heard she was seeing other guys.
very much better than someone or something informal to be clearly doing very much better at something than someone else: · Winger's stands head and shoulders above every other restaurant in town.· Kander and Ebb are head and shoulders above the others writing for the musical theater these days.
spoken use this to emphasize that one person or thing is clearly much better than someone or something else: · "Which apartment do you prefer?'' "Well, there's no comparison. The first one we saw is bigger, quieter, and has much nicer furniture.''
British to be so much better than others that their achievements are made to seem ordinary: · Coca Cola's prize-winning advertising campaign has put all others in the shade.· The generous response of the public to the disaster puts the government's contribution somewhat in the shade.
written to be so much better than someone or something else that they are made to seem unimportant and not worth paying any attention to: · Channel 5's tremendous line-up of TV programmes has eclipsed its competitors' best efforts.· Eclipsed by the US champion at last year's Olympic Games, Schofield has decided to retire.
if someone is in a different league , they are so much better and more skilful than someone who does similar work that it would be stupid even to compare them: · You can't possibly compare Thomas Hardy and Wilkie Collins - Hardy is in a different league.
to be so much better than someone else that they feel slightly embarrassed by their own lack of skill or quality: · The elegant way she was dressed put the rest of us to shame.· Acapulco is a cosmopolitan city with a nightlife that puts Rio to shame.
informal to perform with much greater skill than someone else in a competitive activity such as a sport or an argument: run rings around somebody: · It's no use arguing with Sophie -- she can run rings around anyone who disagrees with her.· Tottenham Hotspur are running rings around Arsenal in the most exciting cup final in years.
British informal to be very much better than something of the same type or than someone you are competing with: be streets ahead of: · The script is original and funny, streets ahead of any other situation comedy.· We don't need to worry about this year's sales figures -- they're streets ahead of the competition.
British to be so much better at something than other people that they cannot possibly compete successfully with you: · It seems that in this campaign the Labour candidate has left the opposition standing.· Julie's an excellent typist -- her speed and accuracy leave the rest of us standing.
to do things that need doing to decide what needs to be done and make sure that it is done: · Who is dealing with the accommodation arrangements for the conference?· I spend most of my working day dealing with customer inquiries.· I'm sorry I'm late. I had an urgent call to deal with.
to deal with all the practical details of something that needs to be done or organized: · I'll join you later - there are a few things I need to see to at the office first.· My brother attended to all the funeral arrangements.· You'd better get someone to see to that leaking pipe.see to it that: · I'll see to it that everything is ready on the day.
to make sure that arrangements are made or work is completed, especially when you do this for someone else so that they do not need to worry about it: · My secretary will take care of the details.· Shall I take care of your mail for you while you are away?it/everything is taken care of (=someone has dealt with it for you): · Don't worry about your passport and visa - it's all taken care of.
spoken say this to tell someone that you will be responsible for making arrangements or for doing something that needs doing: · "We need to make sure the others know where we'll be meeting." "Leave it to me. I'll phone them when I get home."
if an organization such as a government department processes a letter, an official document, or formal process etc, it deals with it: · You should allow two weeks for your visa application to be processed.· Computers have given banks the power to process millions of transactions a day.
British /follow up on American to take further action in order to deal with a complaint, request, letter etc: · I got your e-mail but I'm afraid I forgot to follow it up.· Our rule is that the complaints department must follow up a letter within two days.· Following up on recommendations made last year, the president called for the more efficient use of resources.
to move faster than someone or something else to pass another vehicle on the road and move in front of it because you are going faster: · I turned around and saw that, out of the dust and the crowd, another car was pulling ahead to join us.pull ahead of: · With the finish line in sight, Wallace pulled ahead of the pack and drove to victory.
to move far in front of someone who cannot run, walk, drive etc as fast as you: · We were all running to catch the bus, but the others had longer legs and gradually left me behind.leave somebody way behind (=a long way behind): · Dinah urged her horse on until she had left all the other riders way behind.
informal to move very far in front of someone, especially in a race, because you are much faster than them: · Collins accelerated around the final turn and left the other runners standing.
to not use all of something · No you can't have another notepad - you haven't finished that one yet.· Try not to finish your food rations too quickly. We don't know when there will be more.
to not use or eat all of something, especially because you do not want to, or because you want to keep some: · Is Tom all right? He left nearly all his dinner.leave something for somebody: · Always leave enough fuel for the next person to build a fire with.leave somebody something: · Leave me some space, will you!
when there is nothing left if something is all gone , there is none of it left because it has all been used, eaten, or drunk: · "Are there any cookies left?" "No, they're all gone."· Then Cal lost his job and soon our savings were gone.· I used to feel sorry for her, but my sympathy's all gone now.
if a supply of something important is finished , it has all been used and there is none left: · In this area, emergency food aid is likely to be finished within days.· When that can's finished, there won't be any fuel left.
if there is no more of something or not any more of something, it has all been used or sold: · "Where are the matches?" "We don't have any more."there's no more/there aren't any more: · There's no more sugar. You'll have to get some next time you go out.no more/not any more of: · The store didn't have any more of the dolls, but they might get some in next week.
if there is none left or not any left of something, all of it has been used or sold: there is none left/there is not any left: · Don't eat any more cake or there will be none left for your dad.· There weren't any dresses left in a size 12.there is no wine/milk/fruit etc left: · There's no coffee left. Shall I make some more?
if something that you need runs out , there is none of it left because it has all been used: · Our supplies had run out and all we could do was wait.· I was in a phone box and my money ran out before I'd finished.
if a supply of something is exhausted , there is none of it left; if something that produces a supply is exhausted , there is nothing left in it: · The oxygen supply would soon become exhausted.· All that's left are some barren hillsides and a couple of exhausted mines.
to forget to bring something to not bring something that you intended to bring, because you did not think of it: · Michael was at the airport before he realized he'd forgotten his passport.· Oh, I forgot your camera. Is it all right if I bring it to you tomorrow?· Don't let me forget my purse.
to forget to take something with you when you leave: · I can't find my coat - I must have left it at work.leave something behind: · Oh no! I think I left my credit card behind at the restaurant.
to get off a bus, plane etc to : · Tell the driver you want to get off at Greene Street.· Lennox got off the plane and made his way through customs.· At the foot of the hill, she got off her bicycle and began to push it.· Do you know where we're supposed to get off?
to come out of a car, boat, or train: · Most of the passengers got out at Oxford Circus.get out of: · She got out of the car and slammed the door.· The farmer got out of his car to open the gate.
to get off a train or ship on which you have been travelling - used especially in official notices or messages: · When you leave the train, please make sure that you have all your belongings with you.· Passengers leaving the ship at Alexandria should proceed to the immigration office.
formal to get off a ship or plane - use this especially when a large number of people do this: · We weren't allowed to disembark until an hour after the ship had docked.· The only one to disembark at Tiree was me.
to get down off a horse: · They dismounted and led their horses through the forest.
to arrange for something to be given to someone after you die to arrange for something to be given to someone after you die: leave something to somebody: · He left £1000 to each of the nurses who had looked after him.leave somebody something: · My aunt died last year and left me some of her furniture.
formal to officially arrange for something you own to be given to someone else after your death: bequeath something to somebody: · She bequeathed her collection of paintings to the National Gallery.bequeath somebody something: · John Frazer made a will bequeathing his local church $5000.
an official document that says who your money and possessions will be given to after you die: make a will (=write a will): · He made a will just hours before he died.leave somebody something in your will: · Mrs Williams left her daughter $200,000 in her will.cut somebody out of your will (=change your will so that someone does not get any of your money or possessions): · When Henrietta told her father that she was going to marry Weinberger, he threatened to cut her out of his will.
formal to give something to someone after you die, by writing it down in an official document: will something to somebody: · Wilson established a fine collection of artworks, which he willed to Peale's Museum.
to not have any more of something · That was my last one -- I don't have any more.· I didn't have any time left to finish.· The theatre didn't have any seats left when I went to get tickets.· He didn't have any more questions.
to not have something that you usually have or that you regularly use, because you have used or sold all of it: · Looks like we're out of milk again -- can you go to the store for me?· The store was out of the paint I wanted.· In the end she ran out of patience and started yelling.· Better take plenty of water -- we don't want to run out.
to not include someone or something to not include someone or something, either deliberately or accidentally: leave somebody/something out of something: · Fans were shocked that Giggs had been left out of the team.leave out somebody/something: · He briefly told us what had happened, leaving out the more gruesome details.leave somebody/something out: · I went through a list of people to be thanked, and hoped I hadn't left anyone out.
formal to deliberately not include someone or something, especially in a way that seems wrong or unfair: · The new law protects most workers, but excludes those on part-time contracts.exclude somebody from something: · She felt they were deliberately excluding her from their plans.
formal to not include something, especially a piece of information, either deliberately or because you forget: · Please do not omit any details, however trivial they may seem.omit something from something: · Sara's name had been omitted from the list of employees.
British to not include someone or something that should be included, often by mistake: miss out somebody/something: · You missed out several important facts.miss somebody/something out: · Those are the people I'm inviting. Did I miss anyone out?
informal to suddenly remove something or someone from a list, plan etc, because there is a good reason for not including them: · I don't think this article will be of interest to our readers. Let's drop it.drop something from something: · The coach just announced that Henri will be dropped from the team.
not interested · I started telling them about my vacation, but they weren't very interested.· Helen tried to persuade her sister to come with us, but she just wasn't interested.not be interested in · I'm sure you're not interested in hearing me talk about my ex-boyfriends.
not interested and not wanting to know about something: · Morris appeared to be completely uninterested in any of the suggestions I made.· "Oh is that all?" she said in an uninterested tone of voice.uninterested in: · It's a pity that so many people are uninterested in science at school.
if a subject or activity does not interest you, you do not want to know about it or learn about it: · To be honest, politics doesn't interest me at all.· Everyone's always talking about the World Cup, but it just doesn't interest me.
to not be interested in something, and to not do or say anything that shows you are interested: · I try to talk to her about my work, but she shows no interest.· When we suggested going camping, no one expressed any interest.show/express no interest in: · A lot of people have been to look at the house, but they've shown no interest in buying it.
if there is a lack of interest in something, people are not interested in it, especially when you would expect them to be interested: · The boy replied with a complete lack of interest.lack of interest in: · A depressed person often shows self-pity and a lack of interest in the outside world.
someone who is apathetic about a particular activity or problem is not interested in it and does not care about it enough to try and change it: · Of course it matters whether you vote or not! Don't be so apathetic!apathetic about: · People must realize that we can't afford to be apathetic about environmental issues any longer.
informal if something leaves you cold , you do not feel at all interested in it, even though many other people are: · Why are people so crazy about opera? It leaves me completely cold.· All this talk about counselling and therapy left me cold.
to not interfere spoken say this when you want someone to stop interfering or asking questions about something that is private: · Whitney, you just mind your own business. He can do what he wants.· He wanted a copy of the will but I told him it was none of his business.· I didn't ask, because it's none of my business really, but I was sure curious.
spoken informal to not get involved in a fight or an argument between other people: · It isn't your business, you stay out of it and let her handle it.· I know what I'm doing - you keep out of it.stay/keep well out of it (=not interfere at all) British: · They're always arguing about money, but I try to stay well out of it.
also not have anything to do with somebody if a situation has nothing to do with someone, it is very personal and private, and that person has no right to interfere in it: · I really shouldn't have told her about it - it had nothing to do with her, really.· Back off and let me handle it. It's nothing to do with you.
British /leave/let well enough alone American spoken to not interfere or try to change a situation, because you might make it worse than before: · I should have left well enough alone, and never told my parents what had happened at all.· Once you've finished a project, leave well alone and go on to the next one.
too late so late that you cannot do or achieve what you had planned: · I'm afraid you're too late - I've just sold the last ticket.arrive/finish etc too late: · We rushed to the store as soon as we left work but arrived too late.too late to do something: · They got to the airport too late to catch the plane.it is too late (to do something): · By the time the doctor arrived, it was too late; he was already dead.· It's never too late to learn a new language.
to arrive too late to see an event, film etc, or too late to get on a plane, train etc: · You'd better hurry or you'll miss the start of the show.miss the flight/train/bus/ferry: · I missed the bus and had to wait half an hour for the next one.
also a bit late in the day British spoken you say it's a little late when someone decides to do something but harm has already been done or there is no time left to do it: it's a little late for: · Perhaps it's a bit late in the day for apologies.it's a little late to do something: · It's a little late to start worrying about that now.
British also let it go too long American to wait too long before doing something so that you are not likely to achieve what you hoped to achieve: · At last the government has decided to lower interest rates, but I think they've let it go too long.leave it too late/a bit late to do something: · You might have left it a bit too late to apply for a place at university for this academic year.
to look for something or someone that you need or want to try to find something or someone that you need: · Can you help me? I'm looking for a place to stay.· The company is looking for young, enthusiastic graduates to work in its sales department.· I spent months looking for a job, with no luck.
to look for something or someone that you need, especially when it is difficult and takes a long time: · I spent half an hour trying to find a parking space.· Drug companies are trying to find an alternative drug, which will not have such serious side-effects.
especially written if you go in search of something that you need, you go somewhere to try to find it: · Many young people move to the cities in search of a better future.
to spend time trying to find something or someone that you need: · I searched everywhere for a birthday present for Kim, but I found nothing I liked.· I was made redundant last year, and am still searching for a new job.· The school is currently searching for ways to save money.
to look in different places or directions, in order to find a suitable person or thing that you need: · He looked around for somewhere to hang the wet towel.· We're always looking around for new products to add to our list.· They're looking around for a decent apartment, not too far from the city.
formal to try to get or find something you need, for example advice, friendship, or a job: · Economics graduate, aged 25, with business experience, seeks interesting part-time work in the West London area.· If you are at all worried about your symptoms, you should seek medical advice.· The government is seeking support from teachers for its latest education reforms.
informal to be eagerly and continuously looking for something or someone that might be useful to you: · My mother's always on the lookout for a good bargain.· The club is always on the lookout for new young players.· The design department is constantly on the lookout for original ideas.
: job/house/bargain etc hunting when you are trying to find or get a job, house etc: · We rented a car and went house-hunting as soon as we arrived.· Job hunting takes a lot of effort and can be a long, depressing process.
to do everything that you can to find something such as the answer to a problem - used especially in literature: · If a solution can be found, Mr Danby, I shall leave no stone unturned until I have found it.· Union leaders have promised to leave no stone unturned in their search for a way to keep the factory open.
to put something somewhere to move something to a place or position and leave it there: put something in/on/there etc: · Just put the bags on the table.· I can't remember where I put my keys.put something back (=put it in the place where it was before or where it should be): · I put the letter back in the envelope.put something away (=put it where it is usually kept): · It's time to put everything away now.put something down/put down something (=put something you are holding onto a surface): · She picked up a porcelain figurine and put it down again. put something up/put up something (=fasten something to a wall, ceiling, or in a high position): · I'm not allowed to put up any posters in my bedroom.
to carefully put something somewhere: place something on/in/over/there etc: · Every week someone comes and places fresh flowers on her grave.· Place some lemon slices on the fish before serving it.· Food is placed in a large cage, and when the animal enters, the door drops down.· Winters placed his hand on my arm, holding me back.
to put something in a place and not take it with you when you go: · Now, where did I leave my gym shoes?leave something in/on/on top of etc: · Just leave your umbrellas and things behind the door.· She had left all her personal belongings in the London apartment.leave something somewhere: · I'm sure I left my bag somewhere around here.
to put someone or something somewhere and never go back to get them, for example because you want to get rid of them or because you are unable to take them with you: · Retreating troops were told to abandon their weapons and run as fast as they could towards the beach.· A new-born baby was found abandoned on the steps of a hospital yesterday.
to carefully move something into the right position for a particular purpose: · Make sure you position the wheel correctly before you tighten up the nuts.· Federal troops were positioned around the city.
to put a bomb in a public place : plant something in/at/outside/nearby etc: · The two men planted the bomb outside Harrods department store in London.plant something in/on/there etc: · No rebel group has claimed responsibility for planting the explosives in the van.
to put something in someone's pocket, room, car etc in order to make them seem guilty of a crime: · It turned out the security services had planted the documents in his luggage.· He accused the police of planting evidence.
to put something on a surface, especially so that it is flat: lay something on/across something: · She unfolded the map and laid it on the table.lay something out/lay out something (=arrange something carefully on a surface): · Before you start packing, lay out all the clothes on the bed.lay something down/lay down something (=put something you are holding onto a surface): · Farley laid the gun down and surrendered.
to put down something big and heavy which you have been carrying - used especially in literature or stories: set something/it/them down: · They set the coffin down in front of the altar.set down something: · The movers brought in the dresser, which they set down against the wall.
to put something down - used especially when describing events in a formal or humorous way: · Aunt Augusta deposited the contents of her bag on the kitchen table.· After the lessons on the environment, children deposited much more litter in trash cans, rather than dropping it.
to give the responsibility for doing something to another person · The law makes the government responsible for clean up of the waste at these sites.· Our department has been made responsible for all areas of training.· The best way of ensuring that the chores are done is by making each child responsible for a different one.
to give someone the responsibility of doing something or of making sure that it is done: · The boss is going to be out of the office next week, and he's putting me in charge.put sb in charge of: · Who have they put in charge of the investigation?· He had done rather well in the job and had been put in charge of a whole chain of stores.
to make someone you work with, especially someone in a lower position than you, responsible for a job or duty, so that you do not have to do it yourself: · New managers often find it difficult to delegate.· If you're so busy, why don't you delegate some of your work?
to try not to accept responsibility for a problem or a mistake that you have made, by saying that it was someone else's fault: · It's easy to pass the buck and blame someone else for your failure.· Diplomats say NATO is clearly at fault, and that officials there are trying to pass the buck.
British to make someone responsible for something that you cannot do or do not have time to do: · I didn't have time to do the accounts so I left them with Sophie.· Can we leave all this with you? It's just too complicated for us to understand.
to make someone responsible for doing something, especially something that has already been started: · Leave it to me. I'll find you a place to stay.leave it to somebody to do something: · Can I leave it to you to sort out the details of the conference?· The proposal leaves it to local communities to enforce the law.
formal to give someone the responsibility of doing something important, especially because you believe they will do it well and honestly: entrust somebody/something to somebody: · I foolishly entrusted the task of collecting the money to Ron.entrust somebody with something: · Managers show respect for employees by entrusting them with important decisions.entrust somebody/something to the care of somebody: · As a child Bertrand was entrusted to the care of nuns at a local convent.
to stop doing something without successfully completing it to stop trying to do something because it is too difficult or because you are not determined enough: · I made several attempts to repair the damage, but gave up in the end.· Come on, don't give up yet!give up something: · We will never give up our struggle.give up doing something: · I've given up trying to get her to change her mind.give something up: · We did start a protest, but gave it up when we realized we would never be successful.
especially American to stop doing something before you have successfully completed it: · Bill was cold, hungry and tired and he wanted to quit.· She was having a lot of trouble finding a job, but she refused to quit.quit doing something: · I knew I'd never be any good at school, so I just quit trying.
to stop doing something that you had planned or started, because there are too many other problems involved: · The government has now abandoned its plans to privatize parts of the health service.· All attempts to find a peaceful solution to the conflict have now been abandoned.· Owing to rough weather, the coast guard had been forced to abandon the search.
to stop doing something that you have already started or that you intended to do: · Because of strong opposition, the government has dropped plans to increase taxes on fuel.drop everything: · I'm too busy to just drop everything and go out for the day.
informal to stop doing something because you are satisfied that you have done enough: · We've got most of the heavy work done, so I think we can leave it at that for today.
to not let someone take part to not include someone in an activity or in a group: leave somebody out: · I can't believe she invited everyone else in the office and left me out.leave out somebody: · We meant to include everyone, but we accidentally left out three members.leave somebody out of something: · Her husband was always leaving her out of his plans.
to prevent someone from taking part in an activity, or from joining a group: · Joe felt sure the others were speaking Russian simply to exclude him.exclude somebody from something: · The Catholic church continues to exclude women from the priesthood.· Stack belongs to a country club that once excluded blacks and Jews from membership.
to decide that someone can no longer be in a team: · He couldn't run fast enough, so the coach dropped him.drop somebody from something: · She was dropped from the badminton team because she missed practice too often.
when you want to leave a message for someone · No, she didn't leave a message.leave a message for · Tom left a message for Mike on the answering machine.
spoken say this on the telephone when you are offering to give a message to someone else: · I'm sorry, Mr. Perry isn't in yet. May I take a message?
to send a written message from your mobile phone to someone else's: · My daughter spends nearly all her time either on the phone or texting her friends.· Text me as soon as you get your exam results.
a system on the phone by which you can leave a spoken message for someone: · Hi Jen - I see I've reached your voicemail - I'll try and get back to you later.· I keep my voicemail on most mornings and deal with all my messages in the afternoon.
what you say to tell someone not to touch something spoken use this when you are telling someone, especially a child, not to touch something: · Don't touch! That's daddy's work.· Those glasses were very expensive. You can look but don't touch.· Don't touch the iron - it's hot.· How many times do I have to tell you - don't touch my things!
use this when you are telling someone not to touch something they are already touching: · That's a very delicate piece of equipment - please leave it alone.· Our neighbor would have cut the tree down if I hadn't told him to leave it alone.
spoken say this when you are angrily telling someone not to touch something, especially when they are trying to take it away: · Hands off my coat!get/take/keep your hands off something: · Get your hands off my car!
when something moves upwards into the air · Gunmen started firing at the helicopter as it left the ground.· The plane had barely left the ground when it began to experience engine trouble.
if a plane or a bird takes off , it leaves the ground and start flying: · Some ducks took off and flew along the river.· We had to wait on the runway for a half an hour before we finally took off.take off from: · The president's plane took off from Andrews Air Force Base at 9:45 am.
if a space ship lifts off , it leaves the ground and starts its journey into space: · There was a burst of flame as the rocket lifted off into the sky.· Thousands of people had gathered at Cape Canaveral to watch the rocket lift off.
if a space ship blasts off , it leaves the ground with an explosion of fire and starts its journey into space: · The space shuttle is set to blast off on a nine-day mission tomorrow at 4:18 a.m.
to send a rocket up into the air or into space: launch a rocket/missile/satellite etc: · China is planning to launch a space rocket later this month.· On the first day of the war over 400 missiles were launched.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY
If he left immediately, he’d catch the 7.30 train. I’ll leave you to it (=go away and let you continue with what you are doing). My youngest boy has not left my side (=has stayed near me) since his daddy was killed. How old were you when you left home (=your parents’ home)? My daughter got a job after she left school. The lawsuit will be postponed until the president leaves office. Many missionaries were forced to leave the country. It seems that Tony has left the band for good (=permanently). She left her son in the care of a friend. Students were left to their own devices (=left alone and allowed to do whatever they wanted) for long periods. The girl had been attacked and left for dead. I wish you’d stop leaving the door open. Leave the next two lines blank for the tutor’s comments. Drivers should always leave room for cyclists. Don’t leave tools lying about. He pointed to what was left of the house (=used when very little is left). All that was left was a pile of bones. So much had been left undone. If you leave your preparation until the last minute, you’ll reduce your chances of passing. I left the best bit until last. I want to think about it. Can I leave it for now? I’m afraid you’ve left it too late to change your ticket. Leave it to me. I’ll make sure it gets posted. He’s not the sort to leave things to chance (=take no action and just wait to see what happens). Have you thought of leaving a gift to charity after you die? The wine had left a permanent mark on the tablecloth. He staggered to the door, leaving a trail of blood. He rose from the table, leaving his brandy untouched. Leaving aside for a moment the question of expense, what would your view be of the suggested changes? It’s time to leave the past behind. Sarah, with her long legs, soon left the rest of us far behind. You shouldn’t leave a child alone in the house. The floods left many people destitute. Promotions are left to the discretion of the supervisor. He was careful not to leave any fingerprints. a former advocate of free market economics who had strayed from the fold Did she leave a forwarding address? She stormed out in a huff. The car accident left him seriously injured. a boxer with a good left jab We live about halfway down the street on the left-hand side. The invasion left a legacy of hatred and fear. If you leave your shoes lying around like that, you’ll trip over them. When you feel you’ve been cheated, it always leaves a nasty taste in the mouth (=makes you feel upset or angry afterwards). To the left of the sofa is a table. Officers investigating her death are keeping their options open. He has left himself open to accusations of dishonesty. He didn’t want to be left on his own. We’ll meet again in the morning and we can pick up where we left off. The flies leave a sticky residue on crops. Step back, leave room for people to get past. The trees were cut and left to rot. Take a sharp left after the church. His comments left me speechless with rage. Radiotherapy has left her permanently sterile. Air travellers were left stranded because of icy conditions. The bus left a trail of black smoke behind it. Make a left turn at the station. Take the first turning on the left. Children should not be left unattended in the playground. This habit, if left unchecked, may cause serious problems later. The land is to be left undisturbed as a nature reserve. The washing-up had been left undone. Some things are better left unsaid (=it is better not to mention them).
If he left immediately, he’d catch the 7.30 train. I’ll leave you to it (=go away and let you continue with what you are doing). My youngest boy has not left my side (=has stayed near me) since his daddy was killed. (=go away from someone so that they can think, work etc alone) Just a few more questions, then we’ll leave you in peace.
Just a few more questions, then we’ll leave you in peace. How old were you when you left home (=your parents’ home)? My daughter got a job after she left school. The lawsuit will be postponed until the president leaves office. Many missionaries were forced to leave the country. It seems that Tony has left the band for good (=permanently). She left her son in the care of a friend. Students were left to their own devices (=left alone and allowed to do whatever they wanted) for long periods. The girl had been attacked and left for dead. I wish you’d stop leaving the door open. Leave the next two lines blank for the tutor’s comments. Drivers should always leave room for cyclists. Don’t leave tools lying about. He pointed to what was left of the house (=used when very little is left). All that was left was a pile of bones. So much had been left undone. If you leave your preparation until the last minute, you’ll reduce your chances of passing. I left the best bit until last. I want to think about it. Can I leave it for now? I’m afraid you’ve left it too late to change your ticket. (=used to say that you will not do any more of something, because you have done enough) Let’s leave it at that for today.
Let’s leave it at that for today. Leave it to me. I’ll make sure it gets posted. He’s not the sort to leave things to chance (=take no action and just wait to see what happens). (=force someone to take a particular action) You leave me with no choice but to fire you.
You leave me with no choice but to fire you. Have you thought of leaving a gift to charity after you die? The wine had left a permanent mark on the tablecloth. He staggered to the door, leaving a trail of blood. He rose from the table, leaving his brandy untouched. Leaving aside for a moment the question of expense, what would your view be of the suggested changes? It’s time to leave the past behind. Sarah, with her long legs, soon left the rest of us far behind. (=continue something that has stopped for a short time) Barry took up the story where Justine had left off.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES Barry took up the story where Justine had left off. British English· The government is proposing to raise the minimum school-leaving age.
You shouldn’t leave a child alone in the house. (=not change something that is satisfactory) In economic matters, they should leave well alone.
In economic matters, they should leave well alone.· I was left with no alternative but to seek legal advice.
· She broke her left arm in a riding accident.
· Why did you leave the army?
formal (=ask permission to do something)
(=going towards the left or the right)· Take the turning just after the left-hand bend in the road.
· The last bus went ten minutes ago.
· I was left with no choice but to resign.
· Please leave the apartment clean when you go.
· The bombers may have left behind vital clues.
· The left-wing coalition was led by the former guerrilla movement.
· After three years, she decided to leave the committee.
· We followed the path to the left-hand corner of the field.
· The journalists were given 24 hours to leave the country.
(=result in someone dying – used especially in news reports)· The shooting left at least 28 people dead.
(=leave someone to die)· The men beat him and ran away, leaving him for dead.
(=cause someone to become deaf)· A blow on the head left him permanently deaf.
The floods left many people destitute. Promotions are left to the discretion of the supervisor. (=make people sure or almost sure about something)· The evidence left no doubt that he was the murderer.
· Have you looked in the left-hand drawer?
· She is deaf in her right ear.
· I had to leave early, so I missed the end of the party.
British English (=stop going to school, college etc)· She left full-time education at the age of 16.
· When a senior employee leaves the company, we hold an exit interview.
· Add up what you've got on the right-hand side of the equation.
formal (=give someone special permission to do something)· Two of the asylum seekers were given exceptional leave to stay in Britain.
(=leave someone in a bad situation)· The abandoned sailors were left to their fate on the island.
He was careful not to leave any fingerprints.· She left the firm in 2007.
a former advocate of free market economics who had strayed from the fold· My left foot ached a bit.
(=arrange for someone to receive a lot of money after you die)· He left his wife a modest fortune.
Did she leave a forwarding address?· Someone left the gate open, and the dog got out.
· A left-hand glove was found at the scene of the crime.
· The new left-wing government restructured the economy.
· Rebecca left the group following a disagreement.
· She held the book in her right hand.
(=continue to use the heating)· I don't like to leave the heating on at night.
(=stop living with your parents at home)· Lisa had left home at age 16.
British English, leave/come out of the hospital American English· Her mother never left the hospital.
She stormed out in a huff. (=make someone remember a person, place, or thing)· Janet certainly left an impression on him.
The car accident left him seriously injured. a boxer with a good left jab· Oh, Rick, you didn’t quit your job, did you?
(=stay to the left or right of a path or road as you move)
(=become red, brown etc)· The maple leaves had turned a fiery red.
· All the leaves had fallen off the tree.
(=the leaves come off the tree)· Most trees shed their leaves in the autumn.
(=tidy away fallen leaves using a brush)· Jack was sweeping leaves in the back garden.
(=that have fallen off the trees)· The children were jumping in piles of fallen leaves.
(also fall leaves American English) (=leaves that have changed colour or fallen in autumn)· I love the colours of the autumn leaves.
We live about halfway down the street on the left-hand side. The invasion left a legacy of hatred and fear. If you leave your shoes lying around like that, you’ll trip over them. (=on the left of the page)· All typing begins at the left-hand margin.
· The teacher told us to leave a margin wide enough for him to write corrections.
(=make a mark)· The glass had left a mark on the table.
(=write or say something that the person will receive later)· Please leave a message after the beep.
· A few miles further on they left the motorway.
When you feel you’ve been cheated, it always leaves a nasty taste in the mouth (=makes you feel upset or angry afterwards).· Barn owls leave the nest at two to three months.
To the left of the sofa is a table. Officers investigating her death are keeping their options open. He has left himself open to accusations of dishonesty. (=to not limit what you can choose to do later)· Studying a broad range of subjects helps to keep your options open.
He didn’t want to be left on his own.· The answers are on the right-hand page.
· You didn’t come to Ken’s farewell party, did you?
· Support for the right-wing parties was strongest among young working-class men.
· Answer my question, and then I'll leave you in peace.
We’ll meet again in the morning and we can pick up where we left off.· He had been under attack from right-wing politicians for some time.
· Two fishing boats were preparing to leave port.
· He left his position as Chief Conductor of the Moscow Radio Symphony Orchestra.
· The previous ambassador left his post in June.
· Why do you want to leave the profession?
The flies leave a sticky residue on crops. Step back, leave room for people to get past. The trees were cut and left to rot.· The injury is deep and will leave quite a scar.
(=leave someone with feelings of fear or sadness)· Psychologically, the attack has left a deep scar.
· The surgery left her face and neck scarred.
· He left school when he was 16.
Take a sharp left after the church. (=time that you can stay away from work because you are ill)· He returned to duty after two months’ sick leave.
· He received a deep cut on the right side of his face.
· On the left-hand side list the skills and qualifications required for the job.
· Leave a space for the title at the top.
His comments left me speechless with rage.· Everyone except the main character gradually leaves the stage.
· She wiped the soup off her blouse, but it left a stain.
Radiotherapy has left her permanently sterile. Air travellers were left stranded because of icy conditions. (=someone can no longer move as the result of a stroke)· Two years later she had a stroke which left her paralysed.
· She stood up from her chair and left the table.
· Aren’t you going to leave a tip?
(=stop talking about it)· Before we leave this topic, may I add one more thing.
The bus left a trail of black smoke behind it.· Trains depart from Rugby at half-hourly intervals until 4.00 pm.
Make a left turn at the station. Take the first turning on the left. Children should not be left unattended in the playground. This habit, if left unchecked, may cause serious problems later. The land is to be left undisturbed as a nature reserve. The washing-up had been left undone.· Students often find work soon after leaving university.
Some things are better left unsaid (=it is better not to mention them).· the vacancy which was created by White’s resignation
· The disappearance of religious beliefs has left a vacuum in many people's lives.
· the students’ extreme left-wing views
(=have made a will when you die)· Who will inherit my property if I don't leave a will?
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB· When she dies-and it will be soon-she will leave behind three orphaned children.· Because of my job, I knew the people to call and was able to avoid being left behind.· He was left behind by the rest of the wagon train because his vehicle was so cumbersome.· In the rush not to be left behind, scruples about starvation and labour camps are forgotten.· Listened too for the unnamed, unmentioned people left behind.· His wife, Pamela, whom fortunately he had left behind, was an acid-tongued woman who managed a fleet of launderettes.· Angry populists like Pat Buchanan will exploit the disaffection of those left behind.
· Police were not interested in her marriage certificate, her permit to leave home or her temporary residence card for Zhuhai.· The resourceful child left home to help his family, and had many adventures before making his way back to his parents.· Jeanne Vitou was really ready to leave home.· Born to godly parents, Mel left home at fifteen and joined the Navy.· And all this meant that I couldn't wait to leave home.· In her story, Bunting writes about Lin, who is afraid to leave home to go to camp.· Katherine didn't know what to expect as she prepared to leave home and make her way to the Wall.· The day after his twenty-first birthday, Lawrence left home to be a musician.
NOUN· Taylor had consistently made it known that he would not agree to a ceasefire until Doe had resigned and left the country.· Is there no sense of outrage left in this country?· In Cowley's opinion, the arrogant little man should be invited to leave the country in the very near future indeed.· And though Karadzic and Mladic remain free, the indictments weaken their authority and ensure they do not leave the country.· While governments dither, funds leave those countries with weak currencies and go to those countries with strong currencies.
· It is important to leave a gap between the water surface and the drip tray to allow this.· Of course the importance of a high quality of case recording is clearly recognised but a rushed volunteer might leave gaps in case recording.· Pipe the bands down one row at a time, leaving even gaps in between.· But this evidence still leaves a large gap to be filled between the early fifth century and St Cuthbert's visit.· Foreign and company ownership often leaves a huge gap between boss and keeper and the traditions.· They had left a gap in the life of the city.· Don't pack them together too densely, and leave gaps around them.· At present we have to rely on several sources of information, which sometimes overlap, and which definitely leave great gaps.
· Public finance economists often stop at this point, leaving the impression that all taxation does is to introduce inefficiency.· Such seriousness, intensity, and power in a young man set him apart and left an impression on others.· I am left with the impression that the author has updated his work reluctantly and some of his text is misleading.· You want to leave the best impression, since you will probably never see this person again.· Writing as he did, Marx left the inevitable impression that he and history were one and the same.· Bush leaves a first impression that, while his government is not deliberately isolationist, it is comfortable with being isolated.· Together these two factors have tended to cloak her personality, leaving an impression of excessive timidity.· The movie leaves the impression that Prefontaine is peeved by the delay.
· Mrs Wharton left her job and claimed constructive dismissal; the others were dismissed.· They had already paid him some $ 22 million to leave his last job.· They've been left with no job, no family support and with long-term illnesses.· If so, a balanced budget amendment could leave the budget-cutting job to the courts.· When she left her job she faced a period of uncertainty while she tried to prove that her idea had potential.· After twenty years, he reached retirement age, left his job, and began spending every moment on the case.· She and her best friend cried when they heard I was leaving for another job.· But just wait until they leave their jobs!
· The drip, drip of winter skis propped up outside rooms have left their their sallow mark.· A new way of helping students leave a mark.· If he was ever at Oxford University, he left no mark.· Sand in the direction of the grain, being careful to not leave marks.· When every simple privilege has to be earned the hard way, the struggle leaves its mark.· We might guess at a generalized sense that would draw people to leave these kind of marks.· If only there was a way for each viewer to leave his mark.· The time had not yet come when Man could leave his mark upon the Solar System.
· They would still be driving home, so she could leave a message on the answering machine.· She sent me memos, left Eugenia phone messages.· I left a message at the yard.· Like leaving a message for royalty.· A lot of them leave and collect messages there, so there was nothing to blame the owner for.· Tearooms had regulars who left messages on bulletin boards.· Mr Mansur left no suicide message, and there were no relatives, videotapes or notes.· He left messages on two machines.
· It slid down the wall, leaving behind it a trail of dark brown juice, like bile.· These and certain sea anemones often leave a mucous trail that, upon dissolving in water, gives off a characteristic odor.· The old nun gets out of the bath, leaving a trail of water on the floor as she unlocks the door.· It is difficult to make progress in your career if you leave a trail of damaged relationships behind you.· Laser beams swept like searchlights, leaving smoking trails across the rock, as blasters were turned towards the approaching Dalek Killer.· I wished I had left a pebble trail.· From now on, as he goes about his nocturnal perambulations, he leaves a smelly trail behind him.· But in 1833 there were many brilliant fireballs that left trails of dust and smoke.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► leave somebody/something standing► leave something aside/to one side► Elvis/somebody/something has left the building► leave somebody/something alone► leave somebody/something off (something)► leave it out!PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► put/leave something on the back burner► leave the field clear for somebody► have two left feet► leave feet first► left-footed/right-footed► the left hand does not know what the right hand is doing► leave something hanging in the air► leave/take the phone off the hook► left-handed compliment► leave somebody to somebody’s (tender) mercies► (like) rats leaving the sinking ship► right, left, and centre► be at somebody’s side/stay by somebody’s side/not leave somebody’s side
1go away [intransitive, transitive] to go away from a place or a person: - He leaves a wife and three children.
- Joel Gascoyne died in London 13 February 1705 leaving a wife, Elizabeth.
- Mr Fraser-Smith, who lived in Devon, leaves a wife and two children.
- Professor Brown, who was 47, leaves a wife Evelyn, also an Open University tutor and 3 children.
- The college also offers a creche for two to five-year-olds so that parents can leave children in safe hands.
- Bob's idea of a balanced diet left something to be desired.
- His treatment of capital and profits left much to be desired.
- On the campaign trail, his oratorical skills have left much to be desired.
- On theoretical grounds, however, it leaves much to be desired.
- The quality of research in the area of child abuse still leaves much to be desired.
- To some degree they have been hampered by courses of study and lesson plans thai leave something to be desired.
- While the woodwind and low strings were reasonably well replicated, the violins, timpani and brass left much to be desired.
- Yet, as a match, it left something to be desired.
- Leave me be! I've got a lot of things to think about.
- Sometimes the girl did not leave hold of her swing, and the act failed.
- And I will leave it to you, dear reader, to make a choice.
- At Thayer the clear intention is that if something is central to our mission, we will not leave it to chance.
- But I don't want to leave it to the last game of the season.
- He'd not leave it to some one who would turn it over.
- I leave it to your discretion whether you should tell the Professors that they are 114 both wrong, or both right.
- I find it difficult to put my thoughts and feelings about this into words, so I will leave it to others.
- They ought to leave it to the markets.
- Yeah, well, leave it to Esther.
- The whole time I went to the youth group I felt completely left out.
- A man can feel left out during pregnancy.
- But some will be left out.
- Can it really be left out?
- Gwendolen McEwen had always felt left out when her schoolfriends went to see their grandparents, because she had none.
- Had we picked Emburey, I think Willis would have been the one to be left out.
- It was a testimonial to his personality that he could take his roots with him without making others feel left out.
- They tried to see she didn't feel left out but Jean is very shy and sensitive.
- Those waiting for Washington to successfully deal with these issues will be left out in the cold.
- By 5 o'clock there was hardly anyone left in the office.
- I still have three chapters left to read.
- Is there any coffee left?
- After expenses and a donation to a charity, he was left with about $ 424, 000.
- Coats, bags and shoes were to be left in the corridors and not brought in to the hall.
- He was left in feeble health, unemployed and with a wife, three-year-old daughter and a newly-born one.
- In each case contestants are voted out one at a time by their colleagues and by viewers until just two are left.
- One on each side for the short distance that was left.
- Scarcely a single social problem was left untouched.
- That was left to a Commission on Admissions, which spent the summer and fall wrangling bitterly over the details.
- The inculcation of political orthodoxy and instruction of a more coercive nature was left strictly in the hands of the Party.
- Go away and leave me alone.
- Just leave me alone and stop asking me questions.
- Leave it alone or you'll break it.
- Our neighbor would have cut the tree down if I hadn't told him to leave it alone.
- That's a very delicate piece of equipment - please leave it alone.
- Bear left where the road divides.
- The road bears to the right.
- After descending, bear left on to the grassy bridleway which joins the road.
- From St Martin's church bear left past Cwmyoy Farm.
- Go through gate then bear right across field heading for stile that can be seen on skyline.
- His eyes bore right through me.
- I came to the place in the road where you bear left to go down to the valley of Chimayo.
- On reaching the saddle bear right along the ridge to the summit.
- Stay on the main track, bearing left at the fork two miles in.
- All this talk about counselling and therapy left me cold.
- Ballet just leaves me cold.
- Opera leaves me cold.
- Why are people so crazy about opera? It leaves me completely cold.
- These trade negotiations have left farmers out in the cold.
- But the extreme ends of the continent seem afflicted with retro-chic shallowness when it comes to cocktails.
- Developing your film To get your film developed you need to go to the extreme left of the upper level.
- Evictions are the extreme end of the bailiff's duties.
- Moving down to the extreme left he was discovered by the enemy, and a full battery opened upon him.
- Passage is possible through the branches on the extreme left.
- Roots and leafless bushes stuck up wildly at the extreme end of the strip.
- So why was she tempted to invent such an extreme ending?
- The extreme left doors date from 1948, the work of Arrigo Menerbi, showing the tribulations of early Christians.
- For now, at least, the cause of tax simplification seems to have been captured by the far right.
- He unplugged the cables, shoved all the levers over to the far left, and rewound the tape.
- However, the fact that the far right won more votes than the far-left should make everyone pause and reflect.
- That Begin had come from the far right, but that in order to govern he has to occupy the center.
- The activities of the far right have been a cause for concern over here for a while now.
- The good tee shot was played to the far right of the fairway to set up a second shot to the left.
- The libertarian view A third view of the revolution has been developed by writers on the far Left of the political spectrum.
- The top of the hierarchy is at the far left.
- After 50yds fork right on to a track which climbs up Triscombe Combe.
- At the first fork they must go left and at the next fork right and so on until they were challenged.
- Then with a wave she forked left and was gone.
- Go straight on Vista for two blocks then hang a left.
- First, there is that bizarre enormous mythic metal fish that hangs right inside the doorway.
- I was just in time to see the Sierra hang a left once over the railway.
- But what happens when you want so much to be right, you end up helping the hard right?
- Labour moderates win over four of the hard left by agreeing that the cuts shall involve as few compulsory redundancies as possible.
- Mr Steve King, leader of the hard left, denounces his fellow-councillors as dunderheads, nincompoops and dolts.
- The showing for the hard left was disappointing.
- They were stars of the hard left, but we have heard little about them during the election struggle.
- Too little, say the Tories, too much says the hard left.
- I executed a hard right turn, but could not see any other aircraft in my vicinity.
- More often, though, they miss, hang a hard left, and return to the dugout.
- Sharp took an eight count after taking a hard left hook.
- Still not enough to justify this desire to reach across the table and deliver a hard right to the gubernatorial chin.
- Between breakups the continents stood high and dry.
- But at Hereford, the oil level had been allowed to drop, leaving the probe high and dry.
- It is profitable, but it leaves the comic muse high and dry.
- Otherwise, a drop in the water level might leave boaters high and dry and give property owners mudflat views.
- Some crews actually rope cell phones down to high and dry rock climbers to get information.
- The pirates left us high and dry!
- Unfortunately, instead of being integrated in a general hospital as planned, the wing will now be left high and dry.
- When Matt married Inez I was left high and dry.
- The difference is that you were left holding the baby.
- Then he does something stupid with a television researcher and is left holding the baby.
- His creation left nothing to the imagination.
- Plastics - that here leave little to the imagination - were widely used in fashion.
- The production successfully leaves much of the detail to the audience's imagination.
- His creation left nothing to the imagination.
- In this respect Wordsworth does not leave enough to the imagination.
- Plastics - that here leave little to the imagination - were widely used in fashion.
- That way they leave things to your imagination.
- The Crims leave it to your imagination, although they don't on the incongruous rockabilly thumper Dickholder.
- There's nothing wrong with being glamorous and sexy, but leaving something to the imagination is advisable.
- Numeric quantities can be printed left justified by preceding them with a semi-colon.
- Some of the griping comes out of left field.
- When something like this comes out of left field at you...
- While he used more complex sentences consistently, some of them seemed to come out of left field.
- The pager company shut down Tuesday, leaving 2000 customers in the lurch.
- UPS workers went on strike today, leaving thousands of customers in the lurch.
- But I won't leave you in the lurch even if that time comes.
- How can we leave them in the lurch, in their teens, like that?
- I wouldn't leave her in the lurch.
- She had never got over that chap who left her in the lurch all those years ago.
- Accompanied by his wife and stepson, he headed south, leaving his mark as a burglar.
- But the company left its mark.
- His great predecessors made their marks with bold deeds.
- Inevitably, perhaps, Jasper Johns's renowned Target is here and undeniably yet again succeeds in making its mark.
- It was here in Iowa in 1988 that the new religious right first made its mark in national politics.
- Its competition made their marks by being faster and easier to use.
- Stop Hinkley Expansion had made its mark.
- The grey streets of London and a Western society on which the permissive 1960s had made its mark were small compensation.
- Being on a Kindertransport was, in itself, a traumatic experience that left its mark on otherwise balanced and healthy children.
- Growing up in the shadow of Olivier had already left its mark on Richard professionally.
- History is what you live and it leaves its mark on how you die.
- I was only a boy of ten at the time, but it left its mark on me too.
- It's bound to leave its mark on a man.
- So Hackney has left its mark on the history of madness.
- After about three weeks, the young cuckoo is ready to leave the nest.
- Barn owls leave the nest at two to three months and are sexually mature at one year.
- If, however, the host appears reluctant to leave the nest, the cuckoo has a more direct approach.
- It is so rarely when all the fledglings have left the nest, to have them all together again.
- Once deposited, she leaves the nest and he immediately fertilizes the eggs.
- She usually builds on the shores of an estuary and there she sits devotedly, seldom leaving the nest.
- Unfortunately for her, the host bird showed no inclination to leave the nest.
- When the host leaves the nest, the cuckoo makes its approach in a long, silent hawk-like glide.
- At the end of the season, I will keep my options open.
- Either way, you can keep your options open.
- Flexibility is key, keeping your options open.
- Many young people want to keep their options open.
- Some companies are keeping their options open on retaining or dumping anachronistic names.
- We must expect to be surprised in the future, and we must keep our options open.
- You need to keep your options open in order to change courses at a moment's notice.
- Suddenly as they exchanged memories each saw the other putting forth leaves.
- For this you turn sharp right off the road from Saint-Jean to Saint-Palais, about half-way between those two towns.
- Pass over a broken wall and turn sharp right.
- She walked almost to the edge of the cliff, where the road made a sharp left.
- There was a sharp left turn at the bottom into Ruskin Road.
- Turn sharp left 80yds before a conifer windbreak.
- Turn sharp right downhill and uphill to go through another gate.
- Turn left along this road for three quarters of a mile until the road turns sharp right to become Marsh Road.
- We made a rocky, wet entry, and then took a sharp right turn along a wall.
- Graham has no plans to fly this aircraft at present and will put it to one side as soon as assembly and testing is complete.
- She put it to one side, and opened the folder of photographs.
- If a solution can be found, Mr Danby, I shall leave no stone unturned until I have found it.
- Union leaders have promised to leave no stone unturned in their search for a way to keep the factory open.
- Henry was a boy who left no stone unturned, and he got a torch and shone the beam inside.
- As for the moody magnetism Method actors devote all their energy trying to perfect, Allen can take it or leave it.
- To others, they can take it or leave it.
- A slightly larger percentage of pairs of brooches were more abraded on the top right than the top left corner.
- Here we want the Series in a column so check Columns in the box at the top left.
- The completed board is shown top left.
- The dark area in the top right is deep, clear water.
- The file was a standard office file with a Prior, Keen, Baldwin label stuck in the top right corner.
- The majority of single brooches examined were found to be more abraded on the top left corner than the top right.
- The plane again runs roughly from top left to bottom right.
- Using a tapestry needle threaded with the embroidery colour, begin at the top right of the motif.
- But it might not, particularly if you feel that too much was left unsaid.
- Something must always be left unsaid.
My baby gets upset when I leave the room. Before leaving the train, make sure you have all your belongings with you. Leave the motorway at Junction 7.leave at The plane leaves at 12.30.leave for I tried calling him, but he’d already left for work.leave (something/somebody) soon/now/later etc If he left immediately, he’d catch the 7.30 train.leave (something/somebody) to do something Frances left work early to meet her mother.leave somebody doing something Never leave children playing near water unattended.leave somebody to something I’ll leave you to it (=go away and let you continue with what you are doing). My youngest boy has not left my side (=has stayed near me) since his daddy was killed.leave somebody in peace (=go away from someone so that they can think, work etc alone) Just a few more questions, then we’ll leave you in peace.2stop [intransitive, transitive] if you leave your job, home, school etc, you permanently stop doing that job, living at home etc: Over the past two years, 20 staffers have left.leave home/school/college etc How old were you when you left home (=your parents’ home)? My daughter got a job after she left school. The lawsuit will be postponed until the president leaves office.leave a job/country/Spain etc Many missionaries were forced to leave the country. It seems that Tony has left the band for good (=permanently).leave (somebody/something) to do something Laura left her native England to live in France.3leave somebody/something alone a)to stop annoying or upsetting someone: Oh, just leave me alone, will you? Leave the boy alone, he can make up his own mind. b)to go away from someone so that they are on their own: Six-year-old Gemma had been left alone in the house. c)to stop touching something: Leave that alone. You’ll break it. d) (also leave well (enough) alone) to stop being involved in or trying to change a situation: Why can’t they just leave well alone and let us concentrate on teaching?4let something/somebody stay [transitive always + adverb/preposition] to make or allow something or someone to stay in a place when you go awayleave something/somebody in/with/behind etc Are you leaving the kids with Grandma on Saturday? As soon as I’d shut the door, I realized I’d left the keys inside. Did anybody leave a jacket behind last night? She left her son in the care of a friend.leave somebody to do something He left Ruth to find her own way home. Students were left to their own devices (=left alone and allowed to do whatever they wanted) for long periods.leave somebody for dead The girl had been attacked and left for dead.5not change/move something [transitive] to let something remain in a particular state, position, or conditionleave something on/off/out etc You’ve left your lights on. She must have left the phone off the hook.leave something open/empty/untidy etc I wish you’d stop leaving the door open. The trial left many questions unanswered.leave a space/gap etc Leave the next two lines blank for the tutor’s comments. Drivers should always leave room for cyclists.leave something doing something I’ll just leave the engine running while I go in. Don’t leave tools lying about.leave something to do something Leave the pots to soak overnight.6result of accident/illness/event [transitive] if an event, accident, illness etc leaves you in a particular condition, you are in that condition because of it: An explosion at a chemical plant has left one worker dead and four injured.leave somebody with something Although the infection cleared up, he was left with a persistent cough.leave somebody doing something The incident left her feeling confused and hurt. The announcement has left shareholders nursing huge losses.7be left (also have something left) if something is left, it remains after everything else has gone, been taken away, or used: I’ve only got a few dollars left. There were a couple of seats left at the back. We don’t have much time left. He pointed to what was left of the house (=used when very little is left). All that was left was a pile of bones.leave over After we’ve paid the bills, there’s never much left over. They ate some bread rolls left over from the night before.8letter/message/thing [transitive] to deliver a message, note, package etc for someone or put it somewhere so that they will get it later: She left a message on his answerphone.leave somebody something Can you leave me some money for the bus?leave something with somebody Ian left this note with me.leave something for somebody A guy left these flowers for you.9delay [transitive] to not do something or to do it later than you intended: Leave the dishes. I’ll do them later. So much had been left undone.leave something until the last minute/until last If you leave your preparation until the last minute, you’ll reduce your chances of passing. I left the best bit until last. I want to think about it. Can I leave it for now? I’m afraid you’ve left it too late to change your ticket.leave it at that (=used to say that you will not do any more of something, because you have done enough) Let’s leave it at that for today.10let somebody decide/be responsible [transitive] to let someone else decide something or be responsible for somethingleave something to somebody Leave it to me. I’ll make sure it gets posted. The choice of specialist subject is left entirely to the students.leave it (up) to somebody to do something I’ll leave it up to you to decide. She leaves it to the reader to draw their own conclusions.leave doing something to somebody Is it okay if I leave writing the results to you?leave something with somebody Leave it with me, I’ll fix it for you. He’s not the sort to leave things to chance (=take no action and just wait to see what happens).leave somebody with no choice/option (=force someone to take a particular action) You leave me with no choice but to fire you.leave somebody to do something British English Clive moved to London, leaving Edward to run the Manchester office.11husband/wife etc [intransitive, transitive] to stop living with or having a relationship with your husband, partner etc: Martha was always threatening to leave, but I never believed her.leave somebody for somebody Mr Rushworth left his partner of 10 years for a younger woman.12when you die [transitive] a)to arrange for someone to receive your money, property etc after you die SYN bequeath: Aunt Alice died, leaving almost $5 million.leave somebody something Hugo left me his mother’s ring. In his will, he had left all his children a small sum of money.leave something to somebody/something Have you thought of leaving a gift to charity after you die? b)leave a wife/children etc used when someone dies before their wife, children etc: PC Davis leaves a wife and three small children.► see thesaurus at give13mark [transitive] to make a mark that remains afterwardsleave a mark/stain/scar etc The wine had left a permanent mark on the tablecloth. He staggered to the door, leaving a trail of blood. Make sure that you don’t leave any footprints.14not eat/drink [transitive] if you leave food or drink that you have been given, you do not eat or drink it: ‘I’m really hungry now.’ ‘That’s because you left half your lunch.’ He rose from the table, leaving his brandy untouched.15leave somebody/something standing (also leave somebody/something in the dust American English) informal to be much better, quicker, more successful etc than someone or something else: In terms of fitness, he discovered that Kate left him standing.16leave a lot/something/much to be desired to be very unsatisfactory: Inspectors say health and safety procedures at the factory leave a lot to be desired.17mathematics [transitive] in a sum, to have a particular amount remaining: Three from seven leaves four.18leave something aside/to one side to not think about or consider one part of something for a time, so that you can consider another part of it: Leaving aside for a moment the question of expense, what would your view be of the suggested changes?19leave somebody/something be old-fashioned to not upset, speak to, or annoy someone or to not touch something20leave go/hold of something British English spoken informal to stop holding something21leave it to somebody (to do something) American English spoken informal used to say that no one should be surprised that someone does something, because it is typical or expected of them: Leave it to you to have the whole day planned out!22Elvis/somebody/something has left the building especially American English informal used humorously to emphasize that something is definitely over or that someone has gone and will not return → somebody can take it or leave it at take1(21), → be left holding the baby/bag at hold1(26)THESAURUSto leave a placeleave: · Just as I was leaving the house, the phone rang.· We left early to avoid the traffic.go especially spoken to leave somewhere: · Come on, boys, it’s time to go.· When does the next bus go?set off especially British English to leave somewhere and begin a journey: · The following day we set off for Vienna.take off if a plane takes off, it leaves the ground at the beginning of a flight: · Our plane took off late because of the fog.emigrate to leave your own country in order to live permanently in another country: · In 2002, his family emigrated to New Zealand.depart formal to leave – used especially about trains, buses, planes etc: · Coaches depart for the airport every 30 minutes.to leave school/college etcleave especially British English to finish studying at school or college, usually at the age or time when people normally finish: · When James left school, he worked for a while with his father.· She found it hard to get a job after leaving university.graduate to successfully finish your studies at a college or university, or at an American high school: · Kelly graduated from Harvard with a degree in East Asian Studies.· Approximately 80% of Americans graduate from high school.drop out to leave school, college, or university before your course of study has finished, because you do not want to continue with it: · I failed my first year exams and decided to drop out and get a job.quit American English to leave school without finishing your course of study: · He quit school at fourteen to work and help support his family.leave your jobleave: · I left my last job because the salary was so low.· Why don’t you just leave?quit to leave your job permanently because you are not happy with it: · After enduring months of harassment, Mrs Collins decided to quit her job.· I’ve told them I’m quitting.resign to officially announce that you have decided to leave your job: · The company director was forced to resign over the scandal.hand in your notice/resignation to write an official letter to your employer saying that you are going to leave your job on a particular date: · You have to hand in your notice at least four weeks before you leave.retire to leave your job in order to stop working permanently, usually because you have reached the age when most people stop working: · After forty years of working for the bank, Karl retired in May.· He had to retire because of ill health.leave somebody/something ↔ behind phrasal verb1to not take someone or something with you when you leave a place: I think I might have left my wallet behind. He departed for Washington, leaving the children behind with their mother.2if a person, country, or organization is left behind, they do not develop as quickly or make as much progress as other people, countries etc: In class, a child with poor eyesight can soon get left behind. a fear of being left behind by better-organized rivals3 (also leave somebody/something behind you) to permanently stop being involved with a person, place, or situation: It’s time to leave the past behind. Although Armstrong overcame the circumstances of his birth, he never really left New Orleans behind.4 (also leave somebody/something behind you) to move away from someone or something: They had left the city behind and were heading into open country. Sarah, with her long legs, soon left the rest of us far behind.5 (also leave something behind you) to produce a thing or situation that remains after you have gone: He drove off, leaving behind him a trail of blue smoke. the mess the previous government left behindleave off phrasal verb1to stop doing somethingtake up/pick up/continue (something) etc where somebody left off (=continue something that has stopped for a short time) Barry took up the story where Justine had left off.leave off doing something British English informal ‘Will you leave off nagging?’ he snarled.2leave somebody/something off (something) to not include something such as someone’s name in a list or other document: Why was her name left off the list?leave somebody/something ↔ out phrasal verb1to not include someone or something: She outlined the case to him, being careful not to leave anything out.leave somebody/something out of something Kidd has been left out of the team.2be/feel left out to feel that you are not accepted or welcome in a situation: New fathers often feel left out when baby arrives.3leave it out! British English spoken used to tell someone to stop lying, pretending, or being annoyingleave1 verbleave2 noun
leaveleave2 ●●○ S3 W3 noun WORD ORIGINleave2
Origin:
Old English læfEXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- I get twenty-five days' leave a year.
- Phil still has three days' annual leave owing to him.
- They're giving me five days' leave.
- They got married while he was on leave from the army.
- I had come on leave first, so I was first to return.
THESAURUS
especially American English, holiday especially British English time you spend away from school or work: · Are you taking a vacation this summer?· We met on holiday in Cyprus.· What are you doing in the school holidays?
a day that is set by law, when no one has to go to work or school: · the Thanksgiving holiday· New Year’s Day is a national holiday.· In 2002, there was an extra public holiday to mark the Queen’s golden jubilee.· the August bank holiday (=day when all the banks and shops are closed – used in British English)
a time when you stop working or studying in order to rest, or a short vacation from school: · a ten-minute coffee break· Lots of college kids come to the beaches during the spring break.
a time when you are allowed not to work: · We get four weeks’ annual leave (=paid time off work each year).· He has been taking a lot of sick leave (=time off work because you are ill) recently.· Angela is on maternity leave (=time off work when having a baby).· He was given compassionate leave (=time off work because someone close to you has died, is very ill etc) to go to his father’s funeral.
[usually singular] a period when someone, especially a teacher, stops doing their usual work in order to study or travel: · She was on sabbatical for six months.· I’m thinking of taking a sabbatical.
a period of time when a soldier or someone working in another country can return to their own country as a holiday: · While on furlough, he and his girlfriend got married.
(rest and relaxation) a holiday, especially one given to people in the army, navy etc after a long period of hard work or during a war: · Soldiers in Vietnam were taken to Hawaii for R & R.
Longman Language Activatorto go away from a place · Just as I was leaving, the phone rang.· I want to see you before I leave.· The police wanted to know what time he had left the office.· Hand back the identity card when you leave the building.
especially spoken to leave: · Let's go.· When does the next bus go?· We stayed another ten minutes and then we went.· I'll have to go soon - was there anything else you wanted to talk about?· Don't go just yet - it's not that late!
to leave a room, house, or building, especially when you intend to return very soon: · I'm just going out for a minute, I won't be long.go out of: · As she went out of the room she slammed the door.go out to do something: · He's just gone out to buy some bread.
to leave a place, often for a long time or permanently: · I'm going away next week. Would you mind feeding the cat for me?· "Are you going away this summer?" "Yes, we're going to Greece in August."· He's been really unhappy since she went away.
to leave a place suddenly or for a particular purpose, especially if you do not explain why you are going: · They just went off, without even saying goodbye.· Many trainees don't finish the course and go off and work in other areas.go off to do something: · When we could not find out what was wrong with the car, Billy went off to find a phone.
what you say when you are going to leave British /I'm outta here American informal · Okay, I'm off now.· Right. I'm off to bed.· That's it. I'm outta here!
British /I gotta go American said when you have to go somewhere: · Anyway, I gotta go. Catch up with you later.I must be going: · I must be going. I've got to pick the kids up at four.
British said when you have to hurry: · I'll have another coffee ,and then I must dash.
also I'd better make a move British said when you want to start getting ready to leave soon: · We'd better make tracks, or we'll miss our train.· I think we'd better make a move before it gets dark.
said when you want to leave quickly to avoid danger or something unpleasant: · Oh no. It's him again. I'm getting out of here!
ways of telling someone to leave · I wish you'd all just go away and leave me alone!· Major Ferguson opened a window, and shouted to the waiting reporters: "You're wasting your time. Go away!"
said when you want someone to leave the room, house etc immediately because you are angry with them or because there is some danger: · Get out! Just get out will you? I never want to see you again!get out of here!: · Get out of here and leave me alone!
also push off/clear off British said when you want someone to go away because they are annoying you: · I've told you before that we don't need our windows cleaning, so just clear off and don't come back!· Look, just push off will you. You're getting on my nerves.· Get lost you creep! Stop following me.
American informal said when you want someone to go away because they are annoying you: · Beat it, you two. I've had enough of you for one day.
to leave at the start of a journey · I have to leave early tomorrow morning to fly to Detroit.· Her plane leaves Hong Kong at 10.00.· When are you leaving to go on holiday?· When we arrived at the bus station, the bus had just left.leave for · I'm leaving for Paris on Tuesday.leave from · Coaches leave from Victoria every hour.
especially spoken to leave: · Let's go!· The trip is all planned - we're going in September.· Do you know what time the next bus goes?· I've packed all my bags, and I'm ready to go.
especially British to leave somewhere and begin a journey: · If we set off early in the morning we should reach the coast before dark.set off for: · We set off for Brighton in good spirits.
British informal to leave and begin a journey: · I think we'd better be off now - it'll take at least an hour to get to the airport.be off to: · When are you off to Canada?
to leave - used especially in official information about times when trains, planes, buses etc leave: · The bus was due to depart at any moment.depart from: · The 12.15 shuttle service to Atlanta will depart from platform 16.depart for: · The 06:33 Pullman will depart from London Euston from platform 4.· The train departs Waterloo at 09:00 hours on Saturday.
if a plane takes off , it leaves the ground at the beginning of a flight: · Children spent hours watching the planes take off and land.· This is your Captain speaking. We are due to take off in five minutes.take off from: · Planes were unable to take off from Gatwick owing to high winds.
to quickly start driving a car away from somewhere: · Eddie ran out of the house, jumped into his car, and drove off.· Someone had smashed into her car, and then just driven off.· Adrian just had time to see his father jump into the truck and drive off in a cloud of dust.
if a train pulls out , it slowly gains speed as it leaves the station at the start of a journey: · We got there just as the train was pulling out.
to leave the port at the start of a journey by sea: · Thousands of people stood waving on the quay as the Titanic set sail.(set) sail for: · In November 1928, she set sail for India and arrived in Calcutta seven weeks later.(set) sail from: · It was a bitterly cold morning when we sailed from Dover.
to leave a room or building for a short time British informal /step out especially American to leave a room or building for a short time: · I'm just nipping out to get some milk. Does anyone want anything?· She just stepped out for a breath of fresh air.
to leave quickly in order to avoid trouble, danger etc · They ran off as soon as they heard the police car coming.run off/away to · My brother ran away to South America to escape his debts.· Zimmerman was so scared, he just ran off.· Why did you run off like that? Was Joey nasty to you?
British informal to leave a place very quickly, often in order to avoid a difficult situation: · Arthur shot off before anyone could say anything.· I've really got to shoot off - I said I'd be home ten minutes ago.
British informal if you do not see someone for dust , they leave somewhere very quickly in order to avoid something, especially something that they should stay for: · If you tell him it's his turn to buy the drinks, you won't see him for dust!
informal to quickly leave a place when something embarrassing or awkward is likely to happen: · You'd better make yourselves scarce before the manager gets here.· When Gary and Clare began to argue, Reg decided to make himself scarce.
to leave after doing something wrong or illegal to leave after doing something wrong or illegal without being caught: · Police surrounded the building, but somehow the gunman managed to escape.escape from: · He was one of nine men who escaped from prison in July.escape through/by etc: · Four prisoners escaped through a hole in the fence.escape with: · Thieves escaped with jewelry and $130,000 in cash.
to succeed in leaving after doing something wrong or illegal, especially after being chased: · We ran after the mugger as fast as we could, but he got away.· He got away down a back alley.get away with: · Thieves got away with silver and several valuable paintings, including one by Picasso.
to leave quickly after a crime, especially in a way that you have arranged: · The robbers made their getaway in a stolen car, which was waiting for them outside the bank.
to leave quietly or secretly to leave quietly taking care not to be seen, usually when you want to do something else: · Occasionally she and a friend would sneak off during their free study hour.sneak off/away/out from: · I don't know what he's up to, but he sneaks away from work early every Tuesday.sneak off/away/out to: · Annie had sneaked out to the bar, hoping that her parents wouldn't notice she was gone.
to leave quietly and without being noticed: · Harriet glanced around, wondering if she could slip out unnoticed.slip out/away to do something: · When everyone was busy talking I slipped away to join Beth for a quiet drink.
British informal to leave somewhere quietly and secretly, especially when you are avoiding work: · While the manager was away, Brian took the opportunity to slope off home an hour early every day.slope off to: · "Where's Sam?" "I saw him sloping off to the pub half an hour ago."
to leave somewhere quietly, without being seen, especially because you are ashamed or afraid: · Alyssia had dumped her fiancé just two weeks before the wedding, and then slunk off to the south of France.
to leave somewhere angrily · Furious by now, I walked out, leaving him sitting there shocked and white-faced.
to leave a room after a quarrel in a very noisy and angry way: · She yelled at me and stormed out, slamming the door behind her.storm out of: · He has been known to storm out of meetings on several occasions.
if someone, especially a woman, flounces out of a room, meeting, restaurant etc, she leaves in a way which shows that she is angry or thinks she has been treated unfairly: · "I'm not putting up with your sexist comments any more,'' said Gilly, flouncing out.flounce out of: · She flounced out of the restaurant, got into her car, and drove off into the night.
to leave unwillingly to leave a place or person very unwillingly because you have to: · The view was so magnificent that it was difficult to tear ourselves away.tear/force yourself away from: · Jake watched as police officers examined the body. It was a horrible sight, but he couldn't tear himself away from it.
also find it difficult to leave to feel it is extremely difficult to leave a person or place that you like very much: · Kim couldn't bear to leave Danny, and cried all the way to the airport.· Ballesteros has always found it difficult to leave his home in Pedrena.can hardly bear to leave: · We'd had such a great vacation, we could hardly bear to leave.
to make someone leave a room or building also chuck somebody out British informal to make someone leave a room, building etc, especially because they have been behaving badly: · If you don't stop shouting, they'll throw us all out.· They got kicked out of the bar for starting a fight.
to tell someone to leave a building because they have done something that they should not have done or because they are not allowed in there: · A couple of security guards showed me the door after they saw my camera.· She lost her temper, started screaming, and was immediately shown the door.
British to make someone leave a public place by using force: · The manager threatened to have them ejected if there was any more trouble.eject from: · Several demonstrators were ejected from the hall.
when an army leaves a place, for example after a battle if an army or group of soldiers retreats , it leaves an area because it is being defeated: · Lieutenant Peterson shouted the order to retreat.· In 1443, the Hungarian army advanced into Serbia, and the Turks were forced to retreat.
to leave an area, either to avoid being defeated or because the fighting has stopped: · As a result of the Paris peace negotiations, most American forces withdrew from Vietnam in 1973.
if an army or group of soldiers pulls out , it leaves a place, especially because it might be defeated: pull out of: · Troops began pulling out of the region as soon as the order was given.
when a crowd of people leave a place if police or soldiers disperse a crowd, or if a crowd disperses , all the people in the crowd leave in different directions: · Twenty five officers were injured when police moved in to disperse a crowd of 200-300 youths.· The crowd began dispersing as soon as the ambulance had driven away.· The arrival of armed police made the students disperse.
if a crowd scatters ,the people in the crowd leave quickly in different directions, especially because they are frightened: · There was a sudden crack of gunfire, and the crowd scattered.· The demonstrators suddenly turned and scattered in all directions.
to permanently leave the house where you live to leave your home or the area where you live: · This has been such a lovely home - I'll be sorry to leave.· He left his hometown when he was 16, and he hasn't been back there since.· Thousands of people have already left the capital in order to get away from the fighting.
to permanently leave your home, usually one you rent or share with someone else, taking all your possessions with you: · If the landlord raises the rent again, we'll just have to move out.· Diana and I aren't together any more. I've moved out.move out of: · Tom moved out of his apartment in Toronto last month.
if a young person leaves home , they leave their parents' house because they think they are old enough to live on their own: · Gwen had left home at 18 to find a job in New York.· The house is getting too big for us now that both the children have left home.· Jane was sure that her decision to leave home and marry Joe was the right one.
if a young person runs away , they secretly leave their parents' home or the place where they are living because they are very unhappy there: · I ran away at the age of twelve, but my Dad came and found me at the bus station before I could leave town.run away to: · At the age of fifteen, Malcolm ran away to California.run away from home: · Thousands of children run away from home each year.
a word used especially in hotels, on notices etc meaning to leave the room or house you have been staying in, taking all your possessions with you: · Guests are requested to vacate their rooms before 12 o'clock on the day of departure.
to leave your house and go to live in another one · We're moving tomorrow, so I won't be at work for a couple of days.move to · We're hoping to move to a bigger house by the end of the year.· In her early years her family had moved from one town to another, and she had never felt settled anywhere.
British to leave your house and go to live in another one: · I'm not looking forward to moving house -- it'll be a lot of work.· "When are you moving house?" "Next week, if everything goes to plan."
to make someone leave the house where they live also chuck somebody out British to force someone to leave the place where they live: · Why were you thrown out of your apartment?· Their landlord's threatening to chuck them out.throw somebody out on the street (=make someone leave their home immediately, even if they have nowhere else to go): · She was thrown out on the street when her family discovered she was pregnant.
to legally force someone to leave the house where they are living, especially because they should not be there or they have not paid their rent: · If we are evicted, we'll have nowhere to go.· They had been evicted for non-payment of rent.· Her mother, who has now been evicted from her home too, is staying with friends.
to tell someone officially that they must leave the place they are renting by a particular date: · How many weeks' notice does your landlord have to give you?give somebody notice to leave/quit: · It came as a complete surprise to them when they were given notice to quit their premises within six days.
to leave your country or the area where you live to leave your own country to live permanently in another country, especially one which is far away: · Millie's brother Dennis, and his wife Joan, decided to emigrate the following year.emigrate to: · They later got married and emigrated to Australia in 1936.emigrate from: · My parents emigrated from Britain to New Zealand just before I was born.
if people, birds, or animals migrate , they leave their country or area in large numbers, but usually only for a limited period, in order to find food, warmer weather etc: · How do birds know when to migrate, and how do they find their way back home?migrate to: · Where there are areas of high unemployment, workers tend to migrate to other, wealthier parts of the country.
the movement of a large number of people who leave their country, city etc because they do not want to live there any longer, or because it is not safe for them to stay: · The exodus of refugees continued throughout the autumn.mass exodus (=when almost everyone leaves): · The island is facing a mass exodus of its young people.
to make someone leave a country to make a foreigner leave a country because they have broken the law, or for political reasons: · The new government banned books, seized passports, expelled foreigners, and legalized detention without trial.expel from: · Two foreign diplomats were expelled form Ethiopia on March 31.
if the authorities in a country deport a foreign person or a member of a particular race who is living in that country, they force them to leave: deport to: · The man has been deported back to the Irish Republic where he will face terrorism charges.deport from: · Several football supporters were deported from Italy during the World Cup.
to officially send someone back to another country where they are believed to have committed a crime, in order to be tried in a court of law: · The drug baron was extradited to the United States from Colombia.· Spanish authorities are seeking to have the couple extradited to answer further charges.
to officially send someone back to their home country, often by force and against their will: · Italy is using military helicopters to repatriate 292 Albanian refugees.· There was to be a cease-fire, and all prisoners of war were to be repatriated.
to make someone leave their country for political reasons, for example because they oppose the government and are fighting against it: · The leader of the coup was exiled and the others imprisoned.· The Prince and his family were sent into exile after the revolution.
to send someone away permanently from their country or from the area where they live, as an official punishment: banish to: · Napoleon was banished to the island of St Helena in 1815.
to permanently leave your school, college etc · I hated school and couldn't wait to leave.· I worked in an office when I first left school.· In the past, girls tended to leave full-time education earlier than boys.
to successfully finish your studies at a university or at an American high school or college: · What are you going to do after you graduate?· When I graduate I want to study law at the Northeastern university.graduate from: · We both graduated from the same high school in Queens.
to leave school, college, or university before your course of study has finished and have no intention of returning: college/high-school dropout: · One third of the city's students drop out before graduation.drop out of: · He dropped out of art college and joined a band.
someone who leaves school or college British someone who has left or who is going to leave school, college, or university, especially someone who is looking for a job: · Most towns have a careers service to help school-leavers find suitable jobs.· Fashion retailer seeks Sales Assistant - would suit enthusiastic school-leaver.
someone who has left school, college or university before their course of study has finished and who has no intention of returning: high-school/college dropout: · His mother is a high-school dropout, trying to raise four children on less than $500 a month.
to make someone leave school or college to make someone leave school or college permanently because they have behaved badly: expel somebody for something: · The principal expelled John for stealing.get/be expelled: · If they catch you dealing drugs, you'll get expelled.
also chuck out British informal to make someone leave school, college, or university permanently because of bad behaviour or for failing examinations: · She said she'd kick us out if she caught us doing it again.throw/kick out of: · Do your parents know you've been kicked out of school yet?· He got chucked out of the LSE.
to officially say that a student can no longer attend his or her school, either for a short time or permanently, as a punishment for bad behaviour: · The report concluded that far more boys were excluded each year than girls.· The governing body decided to exclude Declan for two weeks.exclude from: · Kids who are excluded from school often end up getting into trouble with the police.
to leave a job or organization · "Where's Marcia?" "Oh, she left last week to have her baby."· The directors did not want Daniel to leave, but they knew he could earn much more somewhere else.· I left my last job because I couldn't get along with my boss.· Chamberlain was a Cabinet Minister until he left the Liberal party in 1886.· After leaving the Navy, he started a new career in journalism.
to leave a job or organization especially because you are not happy with it, or because you think you could do better somewhere else: · I've had enough of the way I'm treated here -- I quit!· She quite her job and went traveling in South America.quit as: · Harkness quit as director of the Olympic Regional Development Authority soon afterwards.
to officially and permanently leave a job, for example because you are no longer happy with it, or because the people you work with do not think you are doing it properly: · Nixon was the first US President to resign before the end of his term of office.· I wanted to resign, but my boss persuaded me to stay.resign from: · She resigned from the board after profits fell by a further 3%.· Roberts replaces Jacob Winters, who resigned from the firm last month.resign as: · The following years, he resigned as chairman of the committee.resign your post/position: · The manager was forced to resign his post after allegations of corruption.
to permanently leave your job, usually because you have reached the age when most people stop working: · In the UK, men usually retire in their late 50s or early 60s.· If you retire at 50, you won't get your full pension.retire from: · When Jean retired from modelling, she moved to Cornwall.· Jim Rutland retired from the Navy last year.retire as: · He retired as Principal ten years ago, but still does a lot of fund-raising for the school.
to write an official letter to your employer saying that you are going to leave your job on a particular date: · You have to hand in your notice at least four weeks before you leave.· The Foreign Minister officially handed in his resignation on December 11th.
British informal to leave your job, especially because you are bored with it: · Look if it's such a boring job, why don't you just jack it in?· Sometimes I feel like packing it all in and going off on a round-the-world trip.
when someone is forced to leave their job · After she lost her job, she got more and more depressed and started drinking heavily.· Many people won't complain about pay and conditions because they're terrified of losing their jobs.
also dismiss formal to make someone leave their job, especially because they have done something wrong: · He was just impossible to work with, and in the end they fired him.· Harris was caught stealing, and was dismissed immediately.· You're fired!fire/dismiss somebody for something: · She was fired for serious professional misconduct.fire from: · When Max was fired from his job the whole family had to pack up and leave town.· A New York art teacher who refused to take part in the daily flag ceremony was dismissed from her post.
British to make someone leave their job, for example, because they are not good enough at it, they are no longer needed, or they have done something wrong: · We can't really give him the sack just because he's unpopular.sack somebody for something: · He was sacked for being drunk in the office.get the sack (=be sacked): · He had the good luck to work in an old family firm when nobody ever got the sack.
to make workers, especially workers in a large factory or organization, leave their jobs, because there is not enough work for them to do, or not enough money to pay their wages: lay off somebody/lay somebody off: · 3000 car workers have been laid off at the factory in Cleveland.
British to make someone leave their job, and usually pay them some money to do so, because they are no longer needed: · At least 2,000 computer programmers have been made redundant in the past year.· We lost our home when my husband was made redundant five years ago.
British a situation in which someone has to leave their job, and is usually paid some money to do so, because they are no longer needed by their company: · These redundancies are necessary for the company to be able to survive.· The board are planning a restructuring which could mean hundreds of redundancies.voluntary redundancy (=when a company asks workers if they want to leave their jobs, and offers to pay them money to do so): · We hope to achieve staffing cuts through voluntary redundancy and a freeze on recruitment.
to make someone leave a job or organization temporarily, either as a punishment for doing something wrong, or while the organization tries to find out whether they have done something wrong or not: · Two senior officials have been suspended on full pay pending a second internal inquiry.suspend from: · The Police Department has suspended six officers from duty while they investigate claims of fraud and corruption.
to tell someone that they must leave their job, either immediately or in a week, a month etc: · The company are planning to close down, and we've all been given two weeks' notice.· In the course of restructuring, over half the workforce were given their notice.
if someone with an important official job is relieved of their duties or post , their job is taken away from them, especially for a short time because people think they have done something very bad and this is being checked: · The Chief Inspector has been relieved of his duties pending another investigation by fellow officers.· The authorities have decided to relieve the professor of his post at the university until further notice, after complaints were made by one of his female students.
to make someone leave a political party etc to officially make someone leave an organization, especially because they have done something wrong or harmful to the organization: · They threatened to expel him if he didn't follow the party line.expel from: · In May the Nationalists were expelled from the government.
also chuck out British informal to officially make someone leave an organization, especially because they have done something wrong or harmful to the organization: · At the age of fourteen she was kicked out of the Young Communist League.· They are relying on the fact that Britain cannot be thrown out of the European Union.
something that is given when someone leaves also farewell American: leaving party/present/gift/card etc a party etc that is arranged for or given to someone who is leaving their job: · Are you going to Katie's leaving party on Friday?· She received a beautiful Waterford Crystal clock as a farewell present from all her colleagues.
: farewell speech/dinner etc a speech, dinner etc that happens because someone is leaving somewhere, especially when this is a formal or officially organized event: · A farewell dinner was given in her honour.· Eisenhower's farewell address to the American people
when someone leaves the army, air force, or navy to leave the army, air force, or navy without permission: · The three men had tried to desert, but were brought back to camp and shot.desert from: · He obtained the grenades from a friend who had deserted from the army.
informal to leave your army unit without permission, often for a short period of time: · He went AWOL while on duty in Northern Ireland.
to allow or force someone to leave the army, air force, or navy: · When Danny was discharged in 1961, he went to Los Angeles, looking for work.discharge from: · He lost both his legs in an explosion and was discharged from the navy.
to leave your husband, wife, girlfriend etc · She promised faithfully that she would never leave him.leave somebody for somebody else · Simon has left me for his secretary, after fifteen years of marriage.
to suddenly leave your husband, wife, girlfriend etc in a way that they think is unfair: · I was three months pregnant when Peter walked out.walk out on: · She remembered the day her father had walked out on them and how her mother had just sat on the stairs and cried.
to suddenly leave your husband or wife in order to live with someone else and have a sexual relationship with them: · His wife ran off with one of the doctors at the hospital.
to leave your family, husband, children etc to avoid the responsibility of looking after them: · Mrs Hasan was deserted by her husband and had to support four children on her own.· His father had deserted the family when Graham was three years old.
to leave someone who depends on you for support, especially a child or animal: · The baby was found abandoned outside a local mosque.· My sister abandoned her husband and three children and went to live in Holland.· a home for abandoned kittens and puppies
to make a husband, wife, girlfriend etc leave also chuck out British informal to make someone such as your husband, wife etc leave because they have hurt you, made you angry etc: · He threw her out when he heard she was seeing other guys.
time when you are allowed to be away from work or school British a period of time when you do not have to go to work or school: · I get four weeks' holiday each year.· Work has been so hectic - I really need a holiday.the holidays/summer holidays/school holidays (=the long periods when schools close): · July 20th is the first day of the summer holidays.Christmas/Easter etc holiday: · Last year we spent most of the Christmas holiday at our grandma's.spend your holidays: · As a boy, Luckett spent his holidays here in Ledsham.in/during the holidays: · We try to do as many different activities as we can with the children during the school holidays.
especially American a period of time when you do not have to go to work or school: · I want you to write about your vacation.· The company allows us 14 vacation days a year.summer/Christmas etc vacation: · Under the new plan, students will have shorter summer vacations and longer winter vacations.spend your vacation: · I spent part of my Christmas vacation with my dad's family.during summer/winter etc vacation: · The skating rink will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. during summer vacation.during somebody's/a vacation: · He worked at the resort during his college vacations.
a short holiday from your work or school: · The students get a few days' break in February.spring/winter/Christmas etc break: · Daytona Beach is preparing for the thousands of college students who will arrive for spring break.take a break: · Can you take a break next month?
a period of time when you are allowed to be away from work: · Wednesday is my only day off this week.have/take a day off: · I've got a day off on Friday -- I'll come and see you then.· Can you take the morning off tomorrow?
time when you are allowed to be away from your work, in order to rest or do something different: have/take time off: · Is Phyllis taking any time off when you're there?· I'll get some time off around Christmas.
a period of official holiday time, especially for people who are in the army, navy, or police etc: · I get twenty-five days' leave a year.· Phil still has three days' annual leave owing to him.be on leave (=having a holiday): · They got married while he was on leave from the army.
British a short holiday in the middle of the school term: · It rained all through half-term.· Half-term is the last week in October.
WORD SETSappraisee, nounappraiser, nounassertiveness training, assessment centre, automatic checkoff, nounB2E, adjectivebasic wage, broadbanding, nounbusiness agent, callback, nouncasual, adjectivechampion of change, nounchange agent, nounCIO, cognitive dissonance, nouncollaborative working, nouncommand and control, nouncompany doctor, company officer, company union, comparable worth, nouncompassionate leave, nouncompetence profiling, nouncompetency-based, adjectivecompetency profiling, compliance officer, confidentiality clause, contract of employment, nouncontract of service, nouncontractual, adjectivecontribution, nouncontributory, adjectiveCOO, core competence, corporate communication, custom and practice, dead time, demarcation dispute, direct labour, disabled quota, dispute procedure, earnings-related, adjectiveemployee referral program, employee relations, employment, nounevergreen contract, expense account, nounfidelity insurance, field staff, fieldwork, nounfirst in, first out, nounflexitime, nounflyback interview, freelance, adjectivegagging clause, gardening leave, gender-awareness, noungolden handshake, noungolden parachute, noungrade, noungrade, verbgratuity, noungreen card, noungross misconduct, Hawthorne effect, Hay system, hirer, nounhiring hall, nounhotelling, nounHRM, hygiene factor, incentive fee, individual retirement account, job description, nounjob order, job quota, job-sharing, nounlast in, first out, nounleave, nounLIFO, marzipan layer, maternity leave, nounMBWA, medical certificate, nounmileage, nounminimum wage, nounmotivator factor, motor pool, nounnight shift, nounnoncontributory, adjectiveout-of-pocket expenses, nounout of work, adjectiveoutplacement, nounpart-time, adjectivepaternity leave, nounpensionable, adjectivepeon, nounperformance appraisal, probation, nounprobationer, nounprofit sharing, nounPRP, psychic income, psychometric testing, QWL, remuneration package, retirement plan, nounreturner, nounrota, nounrotate, verbsabbatical, nounsalary matrix, nounscreening interview, semi-skilled, adjectiveservice agreement, sick note, nounsickout, nounsick pay, nounspan of control, nounsplit shift, nounstrategic business unit, superannuation scheme, nounsweated labour, nounswing shift, nountacit knowledge, time card, nountime clock, nountime sheet, nountour of duty, nountrade dispute, training needs analysis, underpaid, adjectiveupskill, verbWorking Time Directive, nounwork permit, nounworkplace bargaining, work sampling, work study, nounwrongful termination,
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY Meanings 1 & 2ADJECTIVES/NOUN + leave You shouldn’t leave a child alone in the house. The floods left many people destitute. Promotions are left to the discretion of the supervisor. He was careful not to leave any fingerprints. a former advocate of free market economics who had strayed from the fold Did she leave a forwarding address? She stormed out in a huff. The car accident left him seriously injured. a boxer with a good left jab We live about halfway down the street on the left-hand side. The invasion left a legacy of hatred and fear. If you leave your shoes lying around like that, you’ll trip over them. When you feel you’ve been cheated, it always leaves a nasty taste in the mouth (=makes you feel upset or angry afterwards). To the left of the sofa is a table. Officers investigating her death are keeping their options open. He has left himself open to accusations of dishonesty. He didn’t want to be left on his own. We’ll meet again in the morning and we can pick up where we left off. The flies leave a sticky residue on crops. Step back, leave room for people to get past. The trees were cut and left to rot. Take a sharp left after the church. His comments left me speechless with rage. Radiotherapy has left her permanently sterile. Air travellers were left stranded because of icy conditions. The bus left a trail of black smoke behind it. Make a left turn at the station. Take the first turning on the left. Children should not be left unattended in the playground. This habit, if left unchecked, may cause serious problems later. The land is to be left undisturbed as a nature reserve. The washing-up had been left undone. Some things are better left unsaid (=it is better not to mention them).
(=an amount of time that you are allowed away from work for holidays etc)· Annual leave is 22 days plus public holidays.
(=time that a mother is allowed away from work to have and take care of a new baby)· Two teachers were off on maternity leave.
(=time that a father is allowed away from work to take care of a new baby)· He got five days’ paternity leave.
(=time that a parent is allowed away from work to take care of a child)· Parental leave is often unpaid.
(also medical leave American English) (=time that you are allowed away from work because you are ill)· The form must be filled in as soon as you return from sick leave.
(=time that you are allowed away from work because someone in your family is very ill or has died)· Eileen was given compassionate leave to go to the funeral.
· She took three days unpaid leave in order to help her daughter.
(=time that you are allowed to spend at home from a job that is far away, for example in the army, or from prison)· Roberts had failed to return from home leave, and there was a warrant out for his arrest.
(=time that a sailor is allowed to spend on land and away from work)· Hong Kong was a popular place for shore leave.
(=time that you are allowed away from work for a special reason)· Some firms grant special leave when you move house.
British English (=time that you are allowed away from work because you are taking a course)· The company offers study leave for staff development.
(=time that a teacher is allowed away from work to study or travel)· Headteachers can take sabbatical leave every five years.
(=leave without a time limit)· She has gone on indefinite leave, suffering from exhaustion.
nouns (=the amount of time that you are allowed to spend away from work on holidays etc)· The normal paid leave entitlement is 20 days.
verbs· How much annual leave do you get?
(=be allowed to have as leave)· After five years, employees are entitled to 25 days’ leave.
(=start your time away from work)· I’ll get the report to you before you go on leave.
(=use the time you are allowed)· I don’t think I’ll be able to take any leave in January because we’re too busy.
· I used all my leave in the summertime.
· He was given compassionate leave.
(=stop people taking leave)· The Police Department cancelled all leave because of the emergency.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES British English· The government is proposing to raise the minimum school-leaving age.
You shouldn’t leave a child alone in the house. (=not change something that is satisfactory) In economic matters, they should leave well alone.
In economic matters, they should leave well alone.· I was left with no alternative but to seek legal advice.
· She broke her left arm in a riding accident.
· Why did you leave the army?
formal (=ask permission to do something)
(=going towards the left or the right)· Take the turning just after the left-hand bend in the road.
· The last bus went ten minutes ago.
· I was left with no choice but to resign.
· Please leave the apartment clean when you go.
· The bombers may have left behind vital clues.
· The left-wing coalition was led by the former guerrilla movement.
· After three years, she decided to leave the committee.
· We followed the path to the left-hand corner of the field.
· The journalists were given 24 hours to leave the country.
(=result in someone dying – used especially in news reports)· The shooting left at least 28 people dead.
(=leave someone to die)· The men beat him and ran away, leaving him for dead.
(=cause someone to become deaf)· A blow on the head left him permanently deaf.
The floods left many people destitute. Promotions are left to the discretion of the supervisor. (=make people sure or almost sure about something)· The evidence left no doubt that he was the murderer.
· Have you looked in the left-hand drawer?
· She is deaf in her right ear.
· I had to leave early, so I missed the end of the party.
British English (=stop going to school, college etc)· She left full-time education at the age of 16.
· When a senior employee leaves the company, we hold an exit interview.
· Add up what you've got on the right-hand side of the equation.
formal (=give someone special permission to do something)· Two of the asylum seekers were given exceptional leave to stay in Britain.
(=leave someone in a bad situation)· The abandoned sailors were left to their fate on the island.
He was careful not to leave any fingerprints.· She left the firm in 2007.
a former advocate of free market economics who had strayed from the fold· My left foot ached a bit.
(=arrange for someone to receive a lot of money after you die)· He left his wife a modest fortune.
Did she leave a forwarding address?· Someone left the gate open, and the dog got out.
· A left-hand glove was found at the scene of the crime.
· The new left-wing government restructured the economy.
· Rebecca left the group following a disagreement.
· She held the book in her right hand.
(=continue to use the heating)· I don't like to leave the heating on at night.
(=stop living with your parents at home)· Lisa had left home at age 16.
British English, leave/come out of the hospital American English· Her mother never left the hospital.
She stormed out in a huff. (=make someone remember a person, place, or thing)· Janet certainly left an impression on him.
The car accident left him seriously injured. a boxer with a good left jab· Oh, Rick, you didn’t quit your job, did you?
(=stay to the left or right of a path or road as you move)
(=become red, brown etc)· The maple leaves had turned a fiery red.
· All the leaves had fallen off the tree.
(=the leaves come off the tree)· Most trees shed their leaves in the autumn.
(=tidy away fallen leaves using a brush)· Jack was sweeping leaves in the back garden.
(=that have fallen off the trees)· The children were jumping in piles of fallen leaves.
(also fall leaves American English) (=leaves that have changed colour or fallen in autumn)· I love the colours of the autumn leaves.
We live about halfway down the street on the left-hand side. The invasion left a legacy of hatred and fear. If you leave your shoes lying around like that, you’ll trip over them. (=on the left of the page)· All typing begins at the left-hand margin.
· The teacher told us to leave a margin wide enough for him to write corrections.
(=make a mark)· The glass had left a mark on the table.
(=write or say something that the person will receive later)· Please leave a message after the beep.
· A few miles further on they left the motorway.
When you feel you’ve been cheated, it always leaves a nasty taste in the mouth (=makes you feel upset or angry afterwards).· Barn owls leave the nest at two to three months.
To the left of the sofa is a table. Officers investigating her death are keeping their options open. He has left himself open to accusations of dishonesty. (=to not limit what you can choose to do later)· Studying a broad range of subjects helps to keep your options open.
He didn’t want to be left on his own.· The answers are on the right-hand page.
· You didn’t come to Ken’s farewell party, did you?
· Support for the right-wing parties was strongest among young working-class men.
· Answer my question, and then I'll leave you in peace.
We’ll meet again in the morning and we can pick up where we left off.· He had been under attack from right-wing politicians for some time.
· Two fishing boats were preparing to leave port.
· He left his position as Chief Conductor of the Moscow Radio Symphony Orchestra.
· The previous ambassador left his post in June.
· Why do you want to leave the profession?
The flies leave a sticky residue on crops. Step back, leave room for people to get past. The trees were cut and left to rot.· The injury is deep and will leave quite a scar.
(=leave someone with feelings of fear or sadness)· Psychologically, the attack has left a deep scar.
· The surgery left her face and neck scarred.
· He left school when he was 16.
Take a sharp left after the church. (=time that you can stay away from work because you are ill)· He returned to duty after two months’ sick leave.
· He received a deep cut on the right side of his face.
· On the left-hand side list the skills and qualifications required for the job.
· Leave a space for the title at the top.
His comments left me speechless with rage.· Everyone except the main character gradually leaves the stage.
· She wiped the soup off her blouse, but it left a stain.
Radiotherapy has left her permanently sterile. Air travellers were left stranded because of icy conditions. (=someone can no longer move as the result of a stroke)· Two years later she had a stroke which left her paralysed.
· She stood up from her chair and left the table.
· Aren’t you going to leave a tip?
(=stop talking about it)· Before we leave this topic, may I add one more thing.
The bus left a trail of black smoke behind it.· Trains depart from Rugby at half-hourly intervals until 4.00 pm.
Make a left turn at the station. Take the first turning on the left. Children should not be left unattended in the playground. This habit, if left unchecked, may cause serious problems later. The land is to be left undisturbed as a nature reserve. The washing-up had been left undone.· Students often find work soon after leaving university.
Some things are better left unsaid (=it is better not to mention them).· the vacancy which was created by White’s resignation
· The disappearance of religious beliefs has left a vacuum in many people's lives.
· the students’ extreme left-wing views
(=have made a will when you die)· Who will inherit my property if I don't leave a will?
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE· These holidays as with annual leave may be taken with the approval of the Board.· The distribution of annual leave to nurses is of great importance to the individual nurse and to the employer.· Some hospitals utilise temporary ward closures as an opportunity to give staff annual leave.· And the gap will become wider if no extra staff are employed to cover junior doctors' annual leave.· The manager should discuss the proposals for the coming year's maintenance programme before the allocation of annual leave to nurses.· Are managers of nurses given information about annual leave arrangements of other staff?· Failure to optimise the level of support to the caring team will undermine efforts to distribute annual leave evenly among nurses.
· Joe and Eileen were given short compassionate leave and Stephen came home for the funeral.· Trouble erupted on Friday night after a row about a prisoner's appeal for compassionate leave.· And with a baby on the way there would surely be some compassionate leave for him soon.· He will be able to return on compassionate leave - particularly if it helps to focus his mind on the Test series.· Your request for compassionate leave is, of course, granted.· After her return from compassionate leave following the death of her father, they had been prepared to rally round.· Edward was in the Western Desert, and because of the children he was given compassionate leave.
· The present 18 weeks maternity leave will be extended to 26 weeks.· And paid maternity leave will go up from 18 to 24 weeks.· Rarely have they bargained aggressively for benefits such as maternity leave or more help with child care.· As the days remaining in her six-week maternity leave fizzled away, she wavered back and forth.
· The roles of both parents should be underwritten by proper parental leave and by universal and trusted childcare.· In February 1990, Sacramento became the first county in California to offer paid parental leave to its employees.· It prefers six weeks of state-funded parental leave.· But is there no career penalty for men who choose parental leave?· They have blocked directives on parental leave, on part-time workers and on maternity rights.· How far can programs such as legally mandated parental leaves go toward meeting the individual needs of employers and families?· It helped validate that parental leave was for both men and women and helped change the ratio of use.· We may have contributed to the improvement in the 1980s by changing the name from maternity / paternity leave to parental leave.
· It also accounted for 11.6% of sick leave.· When they go on sick leave, their aggregate take-home pay is actually higher than when they are on the job.· The woman suffered bruising to the head and body in the impact and went on sick leave from work.· Then they learn that Lincoln employees receive no company-paid dental insurance benefits, no paid holidays, and have no sick leave.· Accumulating days for sick leave proved to be a trap.· You will be paid while you are on sick leave but obviously there are limits to this.· I could take the afternoon off from work as sick leave.
· There is no special leave for newlyweds and no childcare provision.· Some firms grant special leave at the time of the move.· This being refused he applied to the Board, and on 5 February 1992 the Board granted special leave.· I can confirm that Friday 5 February 1993 will be treated as special leave.· In addition, employees may be granted up to a maximum of three days' special leave.· Line managers have discretion to give people time off as special leave.
· These men and women had spent two weeks preparing for the big occasion, many taking unpaid leave from work.· The Democratic candidate for governor apparently objects to unpaid leave in all cases.· For most of the farmers time off would have to be taken, either as holiday or unpaid leave.· He scrupulously took unpaid leave for every day he campaigned.· She may seek to use some of her annual leave entitlement as an alternative to unpaid leave.· In fact, he conducted bank business many times when he was on unpaid leave.· Women with less than one year's service are eligible to apply for unpaid maternity leave.· It's doubtful she ever has taken a single day of unpaid leave during any of her innumerable campaigns for public office.
NOUN· Tom went off on paternity leave and his secretary organised a whip-round to send a card and a gift.· But I was not surprised that Sam zoomed in on paternity leave right away.· Fathers are allowed two days off as paid paternity leave.· Father friendliness can not be reduced to a company having a paternity leave policy, paid or unpaid, on the books.· The audience gave a warm welcome to the father of four, fresh from paternity leave.· Still, only 11 percent availed themselves of the official paternity leave policy.· I hereby confirm that your request for 5 days paternity leave has been granted.· So why does paternity leave continue to serve as the barometer of social change for the media?
VERB· From that decision, leave was given to appeal to the House of Lords.· All must seek leave to appeal from the special adjudicator who is to be appointed by the Lord Chancellor.· In 1988 there were 144 petitions for leave to appeal in civil cases.· This should be distinguished from the Appeal Committee which considers applications for leave to appeal.· Most importantly, of course, the single judge may decide applications for leave to appeal.· A petition for leave to appeal is now pending before the Appellate Committee of the House of Lords. 2.
· The plaintiff might have given or refused leave.· Joe and Eileen were given short compassionate leave and Stephen came home for the funeral.· Some hospitals utilise temporary ward closures as an opportunity to give staff annual leave.· Afternoons were given over to village leave, organised games, set walks, leisure periods and detention.· At the commencement of the hearing, your Lordships gave leave to the Attorney-General to intervene in the proceedings.· Edward was in the Western Desert, and because of the children he was given compassionate leave.
· He has since been granted temporary leave to stay in Britain.· I took him aside and said, as your boss I have to grant you this leave.· Some firms grant special leave at the time of the move.· As the Gay situation unraveled, reserve guard Charlie Taylor was granted an indefinite leave of absence for personal reasons.· Surrogate twins of a homosexual couple have been granted indefinite leave to stay in Britain.
· Prior to Puhlhofer, failure to obtain leave to proceed by judicial review occurred in less than 10 percent of the applications.· Anyone else must obtain leave to make an application.· In addition, obtaining study leave is either difficult or impossible.
· The restriction had excluded millions of freelance and contract employees from any paid leave.· In February 1990, Sacramento became the first county in California to offer paid parental leave to its employees.· And paid maternity leave will go up from 18 to 24 weeks.· We have flextime and job sharing, paid and unpaid personal leave.
· If the original statement requires correction it is presumably necessary to seek leave to amend although the rules are silent on this.· All must seek leave to appeal from the special adjudicator who is to be appointed by the Lord Chancellor.· A party must seek leave before disclosing any documents to an expert witness.
· They were taking their leave when they saw Rose walking down the field path.· He scrupulously took unpaid leave for every day he campaigned.· They took their leave unceremoniously, Cranston waving Colebrooke aside.· She whispered her promise, and Odysseus took his leave.· Dissuaded from resigning, Macmillan took extended leave rather than restrain his public utterances.· As I was taking my leave, I asked whether he would like to attend our formal opening and reception.· Mr Caserta took a leave of absence from the company in March 1994.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► take leave of somebody/take your leave► without so much as a by your leavePHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► put/leave something on the back burner► leave the field clear for somebody► have two left feet► leave feet first► left-footed/right-footed► the left hand does not know what the right hand is doing► leave something hanging in the air► leave/take the phone off the hook► left-handed compliment► leave somebody to somebody’s (tender) mercies► (like) rats leaving the sinking ship► right, left, and centre► be at somebody’s side/stay by somebody’s side/not leave somebody’s side
1holiday [uncountable] time that you are allowed to spend away from your work, especially in the armed forces: - You challenged him to a fight? Have you taken leave of your senses?
- But frequently they appear to have taken leave of their senses when it comes to choosing the right sort of women.
- But John had not taken leave of his senses.
- Her daughter had taken leave of her senses and her husband was never at home when he was needed.
- I know what you're saying and I think you've taken leave of your senses.
- She had taken leave of her senses!
- Was she taking leave of her senses?
- You must have taken leave of your senses! b. You must have left your senses behind! 35a.
- Accumulating days for sick leave proved to be a trap.
- Generally a trend of sick leave or requests for transfers by other women who have worked for this person will emerge.
- I could take the afternoon off from work as sick leave.
- If the technology is not firm-wide train an extra secretary to cover for others who are on holiday or sick leave.
- Joe and Eileen were given short compassionate leave and Stephen came home for the funeral.
- She was then shown a picture taken at the farewell party at Champion Spark Plugs just before Paula went on maternity leave.
- These work-force-centered benefits helped businesses retain their most valuable employees. Sick leave policies changed.
- When they go on sick leave, their aggregate take-home pay is actually higher than when they are on the job.
- Arienne is taking a leave of absence to do a Master's degree.
- As the Gay situation unraveled, reserve guard Charlie Taylor was granted an indefinite leave of absence for personal reasons.
- I could take a leave of absence from graduate study for one year and still have my fellowship held for me.
- I would have been pleased had Peter been somewhat hesitant to grant me a one-week leave of absence.
- In 1624 he obtained leave of absence from the University and served as a Member of Parliament.
- Morales said his leave of absence from the district runs out May 23.
- Patrick Brady, 28, took a leave of absence from Gov.
- They say she was not fired, but failed to return after a leave of absence.
- Whether this entitles the House to exclude a peer on leave of absence has not been tested.
- Go away and leave me alone.
- Just leave me alone and stop asking me questions.
- Leave it alone or you'll break it.
- Our neighbor would have cut the tree down if I hadn't told him to leave it alone.
- That's a very delicate piece of equipment - please leave it alone.
- Bear left where the road divides.
- The road bears to the right.
- After descending, bear left on to the grassy bridleway which joins the road.
- From St Martin's church bear left past Cwmyoy Farm.
- Go through gate then bear right across field heading for stile that can be seen on skyline.
- His eyes bore right through me.
- I came to the place in the road where you bear left to go down to the valley of Chimayo.
- On reaching the saddle bear right along the ridge to the summit.
- Stay on the main track, bearing left at the fork two miles in.
- All this talk about counselling and therapy left me cold.
- Ballet just leaves me cold.
- Opera leaves me cold.
- Why are people so crazy about opera? It leaves me completely cold.
- These trade negotiations have left farmers out in the cold.
- But the extreme ends of the continent seem afflicted with retro-chic shallowness when it comes to cocktails.
- Developing your film To get your film developed you need to go to the extreme left of the upper level.
- Evictions are the extreme end of the bailiff's duties.
- Moving down to the extreme left he was discovered by the enemy, and a full battery opened upon him.
- Passage is possible through the branches on the extreme left.
- Roots and leafless bushes stuck up wildly at the extreme end of the strip.
- So why was she tempted to invent such an extreme ending?
- The extreme left doors date from 1948, the work of Arrigo Menerbi, showing the tribulations of early Christians.
- For now, at least, the cause of tax simplification seems to have been captured by the far right.
- He unplugged the cables, shoved all the levers over to the far left, and rewound the tape.
- However, the fact that the far right won more votes than the far-left should make everyone pause and reflect.
- That Begin had come from the far right, but that in order to govern he has to occupy the center.
- The activities of the far right have been a cause for concern over here for a while now.
- The good tee shot was played to the far right of the fairway to set up a second shot to the left.
- The libertarian view A third view of the revolution has been developed by writers on the far Left of the political spectrum.
- The top of the hierarchy is at the far left.
- After 50yds fork right on to a track which climbs up Triscombe Combe.
- At the first fork they must go left and at the next fork right and so on until they were challenged.
- Then with a wave she forked left and was gone.
- Go straight on Vista for two blocks then hang a left.
- First, there is that bizarre enormous mythic metal fish that hangs right inside the doorway.
- I was just in time to see the Sierra hang a left once over the railway.
- But what happens when you want so much to be right, you end up helping the hard right?
- Labour moderates win over four of the hard left by agreeing that the cuts shall involve as few compulsory redundancies as possible.
- Mr Steve King, leader of the hard left, denounces his fellow-councillors as dunderheads, nincompoops and dolts.
- The showing for the hard left was disappointing.
- They were stars of the hard left, but we have heard little about them during the election struggle.
- Too little, say the Tories, too much says the hard left.
- I executed a hard right turn, but could not see any other aircraft in my vicinity.
- More often, though, they miss, hang a hard left, and return to the dugout.
- Sharp took an eight count after taking a hard left hook.
- Still not enough to justify this desire to reach across the table and deliver a hard right to the gubernatorial chin.
- Between breakups the continents stood high and dry.
- But at Hereford, the oil level had been allowed to drop, leaving the probe high and dry.
- It is profitable, but it leaves the comic muse high and dry.
- Otherwise, a drop in the water level might leave boaters high and dry and give property owners mudflat views.
- Some crews actually rope cell phones down to high and dry rock climbers to get information.
- The pirates left us high and dry!
- Unfortunately, instead of being integrated in a general hospital as planned, the wing will now be left high and dry.
- When Matt married Inez I was left high and dry.
- The difference is that you were left holding the baby.
- Then he does something stupid with a television researcher and is left holding the baby.
- His creation left nothing to the imagination.
- Plastics - that here leave little to the imagination - were widely used in fashion.
- The production successfully leaves much of the detail to the audience's imagination.
- His creation left nothing to the imagination.
- In this respect Wordsworth does not leave enough to the imagination.
- Plastics - that here leave little to the imagination - were widely used in fashion.
- That way they leave things to your imagination.
- The Crims leave it to your imagination, although they don't on the incongruous rockabilly thumper Dickholder.
- There's nothing wrong with being glamorous and sexy, but leaving something to the imagination is advisable.
- Numeric quantities can be printed left justified by preceding them with a semi-colon.
- Some of the griping comes out of left field.
- When something like this comes out of left field at you...
- While he used more complex sentences consistently, some of them seemed to come out of left field.
- The pager company shut down Tuesday, leaving 2000 customers in the lurch.
- UPS workers went on strike today, leaving thousands of customers in the lurch.
- But I won't leave you in the lurch even if that time comes.
- How can we leave them in the lurch, in their teens, like that?
- I wouldn't leave her in the lurch.
- She had never got over that chap who left her in the lurch all those years ago.
- Accompanied by his wife and stepson, he headed south, leaving his mark as a burglar.
- But the company left its mark.
- His great predecessors made their marks with bold deeds.
- Inevitably, perhaps, Jasper Johns's renowned Target is here and undeniably yet again succeeds in making its mark.
- It was here in Iowa in 1988 that the new religious right first made its mark in national politics.
- Its competition made their marks by being faster and easier to use.
- Stop Hinkley Expansion had made its mark.
- The grey streets of London and a Western society on which the permissive 1960s had made its mark were small compensation.
- Being on a Kindertransport was, in itself, a traumatic experience that left its mark on otherwise balanced and healthy children.
- Growing up in the shadow of Olivier had already left its mark on Richard professionally.
- History is what you live and it leaves its mark on how you die.
- I was only a boy of ten at the time, but it left its mark on me too.
- It's bound to leave its mark on a man.
- So Hackney has left its mark on the history of madness.
- After about three weeks, the young cuckoo is ready to leave the nest.
- Barn owls leave the nest at two to three months and are sexually mature at one year.
- If, however, the host appears reluctant to leave the nest, the cuckoo has a more direct approach.
- It is so rarely when all the fledglings have left the nest, to have them all together again.
- Once deposited, she leaves the nest and he immediately fertilizes the eggs.
- She usually builds on the shores of an estuary and there she sits devotedly, seldom leaving the nest.
- Unfortunately for her, the host bird showed no inclination to leave the nest.
- When the host leaves the nest, the cuckoo makes its approach in a long, silent hawk-like glide.
- At the end of the season, I will keep my options open.
- Either way, you can keep your options open.
- Flexibility is key, keeping your options open.
- Many young people want to keep their options open.
- Some companies are keeping their options open on retaining or dumping anachronistic names.
- We must expect to be surprised in the future, and we must keep our options open.
- You need to keep your options open in order to change courses at a moment's notice.
- Suddenly as they exchanged memories each saw the other putting forth leaves.
- For this you turn sharp right off the road from Saint-Jean to Saint-Palais, about half-way between those two towns.
- Pass over a broken wall and turn sharp right.
- She walked almost to the edge of the cliff, where the road made a sharp left.
- There was a sharp left turn at the bottom into Ruskin Road.
- Turn sharp left 80yds before a conifer windbreak.
- Turn sharp right downhill and uphill to go through another gate.
- Turn left along this road for three quarters of a mile until the road turns sharp right to become Marsh Road.
- We made a rocky, wet entry, and then took a sharp right turn along a wall.
- Graham has no plans to fly this aircraft at present and will put it to one side as soon as assembly and testing is complete.
- She put it to one side, and opened the folder of photographs.
- If a solution can be found, Mr Danby, I shall leave no stone unturned until I have found it.
- Union leaders have promised to leave no stone unturned in their search for a way to keep the factory open.
- Henry was a boy who left no stone unturned, and he got a torch and shone the beam inside.
- As for the moody magnetism Method actors devote all their energy trying to perfect, Allen can take it or leave it.
- To others, they can take it or leave it.
- A slightly larger percentage of pairs of brooches were more abraded on the top right than the top left corner.
- Here we want the Series in a column so check Columns in the box at the top left.
- The completed board is shown top left.
- The dark area in the top right is deep, clear water.
- The file was a standard office file with a Prior, Keen, Baldwin label stuck in the top right corner.
- The majority of single brooches examined were found to be more abraded on the top left corner than the top right.
- The plane again runs roughly from top left to bottom right.
- Using a tapestry needle threaded with the embroidery colour, begin at the top right of the motif.
- But it might not, particularly if you feel that too much was left unsaid.
- Something must always be left unsaid.
I’ve applied for three days’ leave.on leave navy officers home on leave Your basic annual leave is 20 days.2 maternity/sick/compassionate leave time that you are allowed to spend away from work because you have had a baby, because you are ill, or because of a personal problem such as the death of a relative3leave of absence a period of time that you are allowed to spend away from work for a particular purpose: She’s been given leave of absence to attend a computer course.4permission [uncountable] formal permission to do something: All this was done entirely without my leave.leave to do something a petition for leave to appeal to the European courtgrant/obtain/ask/seek etc leave (to do something) He asked leave to speak to her in private.5without so much as a by your leave old-fashioned without asking permission, in a way that seems very rude: He marched into my office without so much as a by your leave.6take leave of your senses to suddenly start behaving in a strange way: You want to marry him? Have you taken leave of your senses?7take leave of somebody/take your leave formal to say goodbye to someoneCOLLOCATIONS– Meanings 1 & 2ADJECTIVES/NOUN + leaveannual leave (=an amount of time that you are allowed away from work for holidays etc)· Annual leave is 22 days plus public holidays.maternity leave (=time that a mother is allowed away from work to have and take care of a new baby)· Two teachers were off on maternity leave.paternity leave (=time that a father is allowed away from work to take care of a new baby)· He got five days’ paternity leave.parental leave (=time that a parent is allowed away from work to take care of a child)· Parental leave is often unpaid.sick leave (also medical leave American English) (=time that you are allowed away from work because you are ill)· The form must be filled in as soon as you return from sick leave.compassionate leave (=time that you are allowed away from work because someone in your family is very ill or has died)· Eileen was given compassionate leave to go to the funeral.paid/unpaid leave· She took three days unpaid leave in order to help her daughter.home leave (=time that you are allowed to spend at home from a job that is far away, for example in the army, or from prison)· Roberts had failed to return from home leave, and there was a warrant out for his arrest.shore leave (=time that a sailor is allowed to spend on land and away from work)· Hong Kong was a popular place for shore leave.special leave (=time that you are allowed away from work for a special reason)· Some firms grant special leave when you move house.study leave British English (=time that you are allowed away from work because you are taking a course)· The company offers study leave for staff development.sabbatical leave (=time that a teacher is allowed away from work to study or travel)· Headteachers can take sabbatical leave every five years.indefinite leave (=leave without a time limit)· She has gone on indefinite leave, suffering from exhaustion.nounsleave entitlement (=the amount of time that you are allowed to spend away from work on holidays etc)· The normal paid leave entitlement is 20 days.verbshave/get leave· How much annual leave do you get?be entitled to leave (=be allowed to have as leave)· After five years, employees are entitled to 25 days’ leave.go on leave (=start your time away from work)· I’ll get the report to you before you go on leave.take leave (=use the time you are allowed)· I don’t think I’ll be able to take any leave in January because we’re too busy.use (up) leave· I used all my leave in the summertime.give/grant somebody leave· He was given compassionate leave.cancel somebody’s leave (=stop people taking leave)· The Police Department cancelled all leave because of the emergency.