leak (redirected from leaking)

leak something (out) and let something (get) out

Fig. to disclose special information to the press so that the resulting publicity will accomplish something. (Usually said of government disclosures. Also used for accidental disclosures.) Don't leak that information out. I don't want to be the one to leak it.

leak something to someone

Fig. to tell [otherwise secret] information to someone. The government leaked a phony story to the press just to see how far it would travel. The government leaks things to the press occasionally, just to see the reaction.

leak in (to something)

[for a fluid] to work its way into something. Some of the soapy water leaked into the soil. The rainwater is leaking in!

leak out

[for information] to become known unofficially. I hope that news of the new building does not leak out before the contract is signed. When the story leaked out, my telephone would not stop ringing.

See also: out

leak out (of something)

[for a fluid] to seep out of something or some place. Some of the brake fluid leaked out of the car and made a spot on the driveway. Look under the car. Something's leaking out.

See also: out

leak through something

[for a fluid] to seep through something. Rainwater leaked through the roof. I was afraid that the crushed orange would leak through the paper bag.

See also: through

take a leak

Inf. to urinate. (Crude. Use caution with the topic. Usually in reference to a male.) I gotta go take a leak. Back in a minute. He just went out to take a leak.

See also: take

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take a leak  (very informal!)

to pass liquid waste out of the body I'll be back in a moment - I've gotta take a leak.

See also: take

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take a leak (rude)

to excrete urine He could see the truck driver with his back to them, taking a leak against an old tree.

Usage notes: usually said about men or boys, but sometimes said about an animal: The dog ran under the trees and took a leak.

See also: take