pour

Universal Words verb 1 [VN] [usually +adv./prep.] to make a liquid or other substance flow from a container in a continuous stream, especially by holding the container at an angle: Pour the sauce over the pasta. * She poured boiling water down the sink. * Although I poured it carefully, I still managed to spill some. * Pour away as much fat as possible from the roasting pan. 2 [V+adv./prep.] (of liquid, smoke, light, etc.) to flow quickly in a continuous stream: Tears poured down his cheeks. * Thick black smoke was pouring out of the roof. * Blood was pouring from the wound. * The sweat was pouring off her. * Light poured in. 3 ~ (sth) (out) to serve a drink by letting it flow from a container into a cup or glass: [VN] Will you pour the coffee? * I was in the kitchen, pouring out drinks. * [VN, VNN] I've poured a cup of tea for you. * I've poured you a cup of tea. * [V] Shall I pour? 4 [V] when rain pours down or when it's pouring with rain, rain is falling heavily: The rain continued to pour down. * It's pouring outside. * It's pouring with rain. 5 [V+adv./prep.] to come or go somewhere continuously in large numbers: Letters of complaint continue to pour in. * Commuters came pouring out of the station. IDIOMS pour oil on troubled water(s) to try to settle a disagreement or dispute moreatCOLDadj., HEART, RAINv., SCORNn. PHRASALVERBS pour sth into sth to provide a large amount of money for sth: The government has poured millions into the education system. pour out when feelings or sb's words pour out they are expressed, usually after they have been kept hidden for some time: Wave after wave of pent-up emotion poured out. * The whole story then came pouring out. pour sth<->out to express your feelings or give an account of sth, especially after keeping them or it secret or hidden: She poured out her troubles to me over a cup of coffee. relatednounOUTPOURING