leak

Everyday

1. To leak means to let liquid or gas escape through a hole or crack by accident. tree →
2. A leak is a small hole or crack that lets things through, or the liquid or gas that escapes. tree →
3. To leak a secret means to tell it to people who should not know. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life and safety, a leaking tap, roof or pipe drips water; a gas leak smells like rotten eggs and is an emergency, so leave the house and tell an adult, and do not switch lights on or off. Batteries can leak harmful liquid; don't touch it. Phrases: spring a leak, gas leak, leak out, leaky.

Examples

• The roof leaks when it rains. tree →
• There's a leak in the bucket. tree →
• If you smell gas, there may be a gas leak; get out and tell an adult. tree →
• My water bottle is leaking in my bag. tree →
• The boat sprang a leak and began to sink. tree →
• Old batteries can leak acid. tree →
• Someone leaked the surprise, so she knew about the party. tree →
• Put a pot under the leak to catch the drips. tree →
• The main mast was split asunder, the ship sprang a leak, and the pumps became useless, while all around was black as night. tree →

Note

Regular verb: leaked. Do not confuse with «leek», a vegetable like an onion (they sound the same). Adjective: leaky. In maths problems, a leak means water is lost at a rate, for example 2 litres per hour, which is subtracted.