in spate
in spate
Of a river, stream, creek, etc., running with a higher volume of water than is normal. Primarily heard in UK. Once the snowfall melts and the river is in spate, there's a real danger of soil erosion creating hazards on the footpaths and bridges around it.
See also: spate
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
in (full) ˈspate
(especially British English)1 (of a river) containing more water and flowing more strongly than usual: After heavy rain, the river was in spate.
2 (of a person) completely involved in talking and not likely to stop or not able to be interrupted: Celia was in full spate as usual, so I just sat there waiting for her to finish.
See also: spate
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
- be in full flood
- sail up a river
- sail up the/a/(some) river
- cry (someone) a river
- river
- across the way
- dam up
- all quiet on the Potomac
- go straight
- go straight, to