English citations of spare

1678 1843
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  • 1678John Bunyan. The Pilgrim's Progress.
    Yes, said Christian, for that was his name, because that ALL which you shall forsake is not worthy to be compared with a little of that which I am seeking to enjoy [2 Cor. 4:18]; and, if you will go along with me, and hold it, you shall fare as I myself; for there, where I go, is enough and to spare. [Luke 15:17] Come away, and prove my words.
  • 1843Charles Dickens. A Christmas Carol.
    There was plenty of width for that, and room to spare; which is perhaps the reason why Scrooge thought he saw a locomotive hearse going on before him in the gloom.

mad edit

  • 2006, Tate Hallaway, Tall, Dark & Dead:
    “That'll drive him spare.”
  • 2013, David Ovason, The Zelator
    My grandfather (unaware that he was using antique terms) would often say ruefully that I would drive him spare. The idea was that my behaviour would so dement him as to drive him berserk.