Spare tire Meaning in English
expression
Definition
A spare tire is an extra tire kept in a vehicle in case one of the main tires becomes flat or damaged; the phrase can also colloquially refer to a person's belly fat around the waist.
Usage & Nuances
In American English, "spare tire" is both the actual car tire and an informal phrase for belly fat. In British English, the term is also used, but "tyre" is the preferred spelling. With the automobile meaning, often used with verbs like "change," "carry a," or "need a." For body fat, used humorously: "He's working to lose his spare tire."
Example Sentences
Do you have a spare tire in your car?
basic
I had to change the spare tire after I got a flat.
basic
Every car should have a spare tire.
basic
I'm trying to lose my spare tire before summer.
natural
The spare tire is under the trunk floor.
natural
He jokes about his spare tire every time we go swimming.
natural