a spare tyre

spare tire

1. A layer of excess fat around one's midsection. I think I need to lay off the junk food, because this spare tire of mine is getting a bit out of hand.
2. An unhelpful, unnecessary, unproductive, or unwanted person in a group. There are a few spare tires on this project who are really holding back our progress. Ever since John's girlfriend started hanging out with us, it's left me feeling like a spare tire.
See also: spare, tire
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

a spare tyre

If someone has a spare tyre, they have a large circle of fat around their waist. Note: `Tyre' is spelled `tire' in American English. He had long, wavy hair, a big diamond ring and a spare tyre around his middle.
See also: spare, tyre
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

a ˌspare ˈtyre

(British English) (American English a ˌspare ˈtire) a roll of flesh around the waist: He went on a diet to try and lose his spare tyre.
See also: spare, tyre
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • spare tire
  • spare tyre
  • love handles
  • handle
  • handles
  • the/(one's) junk
  • junk food
  • narrow at the equator
  • get booted
  • clear out of some place
References in periodicals archive
The complimentary offer also comprises of an inspection of all tyres and wheels, including a spare tyre check, tyre pressure adjustment, and mini valet with vehicle wash and polish.
Ensuring a Safe Khareef Season for Drivers Mercedes-Benz Oman Offers Complimentary Safety Check in Salalah
The retired tanker driver, of Cowdenbeath, said: "I noticed the lack of a spare tyre before I left their premises in Kelty, Fife.
Driven mad over camper van firm's tyre bill; I'LL GET IT SORTED
The Khareef Safety Check comprises an inspection of a number of components and parts such as the braking systems, exterior lights, car battery, including battery starting, tyres and wheels with tyre pressure adjustments, a spare tyre check and the condition of wiper blades with windscreen washer nozzle adjustments.
MERCEDES-BENZ OMAN OFFERS KHAREEF SAFETY FREE CHECK IN SALALAH
"Do you have a spare tyre?" a tall dark handsome man asked me at the weekend.
Spare tyre on the way and it won't be Mini
Before hitting the road, study up on these flat-tyre-fixing hacks and build up the confidence to complete this road test: Be spared: Knowing how to change a flat is all for naught if a spare tyre is not along for the ride.
Drivers' re-education on flat-tyre fixing
Additionally, the RFT tyres can help reduce the total weight of a vehicle because they eliminate the need for a spare tyre. Their use can also contribute to a more sustainable vehicle, as a spare tyre is often disposed of without being used.
New lexus is a safe bet thanks to newly developed rubber
We had a spare tyre but no jack, anyway a lady pointed us to Richard's house and said he might be able to help.
Thanks to knight of the highway; LETTERS
A man called 999 and asked if West Yorkshire Police could arrange for a spare tyre for his car.
999services... canyou change my tyre please?
Q I HAVE just purchased a new car and discovered it does not have a spare tyre. I called the garage and they said there is a repair kit in the boot but no tyre, and claimed this is standard.
Q&A; The People's consumer Champion
Dubai Police have arrested three men after finding a stash of illegal painkillers hidden in a spare tyre.
Tramadol found hidden in spare tyres
Yet 97% of people are unaware of a link despite 71% of those surveyed saying they had a spare tyre or muffin top.
MOST people have no idea [...]
Yet 97% of people are unaware of a link, despite 71% of those surveyed saying they had a spare tyre or muffin top.
Major health dangers of spare tyre
Ed Savage, Philips UK sales manager for automotive lighting said: "Interestingly, we expect to carry a spare tyre and a tool kit for those little roadside incidents, but rarely do we travel with a spare bulb kit, overlooking the fact that bulbs can fail at the worst possible time, leaving you in difficult and dangerous situations.
WIN a Philips bulb kit
The 1 Series is the first volume car to be fitted with runflat tyres as standard - as opposed to being optional equipment - and without any provision for a spare tyre.
Manufacturing: Run Flat tyres sales bounce