be through

1. Literally, to be piercing (some surface). Are you sure that nail is through the wall? Keep pushing until the needle is through. I don't think that staple is through all the pages. Yep, the whole packet just fell apart.

2. To be finished doing something. Once you're through with that project, can you file this paperwork? Let me know when you're through mowing the lawn. Are you through with your chores? All of them?

3. To be finished or completed. Once that project is through, can you file this paperwork? Please tell me filming is through for the day. I just want to go home! A: "Wait, that show is through already?" B: "'Already'? It ran for six seasons!"

4. To abandon (someone or some pursuit). Ugh, I'm through with this nonsense—I refuse to participate in it anymore. You can't just decide you're through being a parent and walk out on your family! Come on, you can't be through with art just because you got one bad review!

5. To be over, especially of a romantic relationship that has ended badly. Oh, we're through now—although our relationship had really been ending for a long time. You and I are through, Johnny. There's no way I can forgive you. I'm sorry, but I think you guys are through. You did cheat on her, Alex.

6. To be failed or ruined; to have no hope of success. You're through, you hear me? You'll never work in this industry again! Everyone thought the company was through after its last product flopped. Oh, this is a PR disaster! Once the public hears that we've been implicated in that scandal, we're through!

be through

1. To have penetrated or crossed to the other side of something: Once you've pushed on it, the tack should be through the cloth, and it will stay attached.

2. To have finished something: You started that book yesterday; are you through yet? I was through with my homework, so I went out and played.

3. To be finished: Once this ironing is through, I'll be able to join you for coffee.

4. To have ended a romantic relationship, especially on a bad note: I hate to say it, but Chris and I are through.

5. be through with To have ended, or to desire to end, a relationship or engagement with someone or something: She said she was through with me and walked out the door. I am through with this awful job.