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