give a light

English

Pronunciation

• Audio (AU)

  (file)

Verb

give a light (third-person singular simple present gives a light, present participle giving a light, simple past gave a light, past participle given a light)

1. (British, Ireland, idiomatic, slang) To care.

   Synonyms: see Thesaurus:care

   • 1976, Brian May (lyrics and music), “Tie Your Mother Down”, in A Day at the Races, performed by Queen:

     I don't think I ever heard / A single little civil word from those guys / But you know I don't give a light

   • 1976, Brian May (lyrics and music), “White Man”, in A Day at the Races, performed by Queen:

     White man, white man / Don't you give a light / For the blood you've shed?

Usage notes

• This is a negative polarity item.

Translations

give a shit — see give a shit