Spring a leak
verb
When a container, pipe, or any vessel where fluid or gas is stored starts to leak.
The old water tank in our backyard has sprung a leak.
Often appears as...
- spring a leak overnight
- can spring a leak
verb
Figurative usage. When a secret or confidential information is revealed unintentionally or unexpectedly.
After a few drinks, he sprung a leak and told us all about his secret business plans.
Often appears as...
- spring a leak about
- suddenly sprung a leak
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
verb
When a container, pipe, or any vessel where fluid or gas is stored starts to leak.
The old water tank in our backyard has sprung a leak.
Often appears as...
- spring a leak overnight
- can spring a leak
verb
Figurative usage. When a secret or confidential information is revealed unintentionally or unexpectedly.
After a few drinks, he sprung a leak and told us all about his secret business plans.
Often appears as...
- spring a leak about
- suddenly sprung a leak
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Literal Meaning
Most directly refers to physical containers or systems leaking liquids or gases.
The inflatable pool sprung a leak after it was punctured.
Pro Tip 2/3Urgency Implication
Implies an unexpected problem that needs immediate attention.
We must fix the radiator that sprung a leak before the workshop floods.
Pro Tip 3/3Emphasize Problem
Used to highlight that something is not functioning correctly.
The new pipeline has already sprung a leak.
Pro Tip 1/3Literal Meaning
Most directly refers to physical containers or systems leaking liquids or gases.
The inflatable pool sprung a leak after it was punctured.
Pro Tip 2/3Urgency Implication
Implies an unexpected problem that needs immediate attention.
We must fix the radiator that sprung a leak before the workshop floods.
Pro Tip 3/3Emphasize Problem
Used to highlight that something is not functioning correctly.
The new pipeline has already sprung a leak.
Pro Tip 1/3Literal Meaning
Most directly refers to physical containers or systems leaking liquids or gases.
The inflatable pool sprung a leak after it was punctured.
Pro Tip 2/3Urgency Implication
Implies an unexpected problem that needs immediate attention.
We must fix the radiator that sprung a leak before the workshop floods.
Pro Tip 3/3Emphasize Problem
Used to highlight that something is not functioning correctly.
The new pipeline has already sprung a leak.
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