1
general::
1. Examine carefully, as in I went through all the students' papers. [Mid-1600s] 2. Experience, undergo, suffer, as in We went through hell trying to find an answer. [Early 1700s] 3. Perform; also, rehearse for performance. For example, I went through the sonata in ten minutes, or Let's go through the third act again. [Mid-1700s] 4. Use up, complete, as in The children went through all the milk we bought in one day. [Mid-1900s] 5. Succeed, be approved, as in I'm sure this new deal will go through. [Late 1800s] 6. go through with. Complete, carry out, as in They got engaged last year, but I'm not sure they'll go through with the wedding. [Mid-1500s]
American Heritage Idioms
2
general::
Phrase(s): go through someone or something
[for something sharp] to penetrate someone or something. • The sword went through the knight cleanly and quickly. • The nail went through all three boards., Phrase(s): go through
to be approved; to succeed in getting through the approval process. • I sent the board of directors a proposal. I hope it goes through. • We all hope that the new law goes through., Phrase(s): go through something
1. to search through something. • She went through his pants pockets, looking for his wallet. • He spent quite a while going through his desk, looking for the papers. 2. to use up all of something rapidly. • We have gone through all the aspirin again! • How can you go through your allowance so fast? 3. [for something] to pass through an opening. • The piano wouldn’t go through the door. • Do you think that such a big truck can go through the tunnel under the river? 4. to pass through various stages or processes. • The pickles went through a number of processes before they were packed. • Johnny is going through a phase where he wants everything his way. 5. to work through something, such as an explanation or story. • I went through my story again, carefully and in great detail. • I would like to go through it again, so I can be sure to understand it. 6. to experience or endure something. • You can’t believe what I’ve gone through. • Mary has gone through a lot lately. 7. to rehearse something; to practice something for performance. • They went through the second act a number of times. • We need to go through the whole play a few more times., Phrase(s): go (right) through someone [and] go through someone like a dose of the salts
Fig. [for something] to be excreted very soon after being eaten; [for something] to go immediately through the alimentary canal of a person. (Use with discretion.) • No, thanks. This stuff just goes right through me. • The coffee went through me like a dose of salts., Phrase(s): go through someone
1. Lit. to travel through someone’s body; to go (right) through someone. • That medicine went right through me. 2. Fig. to work through someone; to use someone as an intermediary. • I can’t give you the permission you seek. You will have to go through our main office. • I have to go through the treasurer for all expenditures.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs