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Words and Their StoriesLearning Expressions with VOA
Processed with VS1Explore spring metaphors for renewed effort, unexpected news, and continuing hope.
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Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcriptSpring can represent new life and beginnings. In “spring into action,” the verb means start energetically; “spring something on someone” means reveal it without warning; and “hope springs eternal” is a proverb about continuing to hope.
Cultural note: “Hope springs eternal” can express resilient optimism, but it can also imply someone keeps hoping despite weak evidence. Whether it sounds admiring or gently skeptical depends on context and tone.
Keep exploringSpring can mean new growth, sudden movement, or an unexpected surprise. These phrases share a word but carry different feelings.
Phrase guide · 4 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Describe starting quickly and enthusiastically.
Meaning
Start doing something quickly and energetically.
Tone & use
Often describes a prompt response to a task or situation.
Example
“When the storm warning arrived, the volunteers sprang into action to move supplies indoors.”
Meaning
Appear, develop, or begin suddenly.
Tone & use
Used for new growth, businesses, ideas, or problems that appear quickly.
Example
“Several neighborhood repair groups sprang up after residents organized a tool-sharing day.”
Talk about telling someone something without preparation.
Meaning
Tell someone something unexpectedly, without giving them time to prepare.
Tone & use
Often used for surprising news, requests, or plans. It can suggest the listener was caught off guard.
Example
“Please do not spring the schedule change on the team five minutes before the meeting.”
Understand the proverb and its optimistic tone.
Meaning
People continue to find reasons to hope, even when circumstances look bleak.
Tone & use
A proverb about lasting optimism. It can sound encouraging or lightly ironic when someone expects an unlikely outcome.
Example
“The supporters knew the team had a difficult season, but hope springs eternal at the start of a new year.”
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