Give someone a ring
verb phrase
To call on the telephone (1940s+)
1.
Also, give someone a buzz. Call someone on the telephone, as in Give me a ring next week, or Bill said he’d give her a buzz. Both these expressions allude to the sound of a telephone’s ring. [ ; c. 1920 ]
2.
Present a lover with an engagement ring, as in I think he’s giving her a ring tonight. [ First half of 1800s ]
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- Give someone a slap on the wrist
verb phrase To give a light and insufficient punishment; RAP someone’s KNUCKLES: They caught a couple more Mafiosi and I’m sure they’ll give them a real good slap on the wrist (1914+)
- Give someone a tumble
verb phrase To show a sign of recognition or approval; acknowledge: The newspaper guys had the Bone Crusher pegged as a plant and wouldn’t give him a tumble/ Both knew me, but neither gave me a tumble [1921+; probably fr the earlier take a tumble to oneself, ”examine oneself closely, esp with respect to one’s […]
- Give someone away
verb phrase To expose oneself; show one’s opinion, guilt, etc: I tried to be serious, but a grin gave me away (1862+)
- Give someone fits
see: have a fit
- Give someone five
verb phrase (Variation: slap can replace give) To shake hands with someone or slap someone’s hand in greeting, congratulation, etc; GIVE someone SOME SKIN: Reno put out his hand for me to give him five (1960s+ Black) Related Terms high five, low five