1 VERB If you shove someone or something, you push them with a quick, violent movement. □ [V n prep/adv] He shoved her out of the way. □ [V n] He's the one who shoved me. □ [V ] She shoved as hard as she could. ● N‑COUNT Shove is also a noun. □ She gave Gracie a shove towards the house.
2 VERB If you shove something somewhere, you push it there quickly and carelessly. □ [V n prep/adv] We shoved a copy of the newsletter beneath their door.
3 PHRASE If you talk about what you think will happen if push comes to shove , you are talking about what you think will happen if a situation becomes very bad or difficult. [INFORMAL ] □ If push comes to shove, if you should lose your case in the court, what will you do?
shov|el /ʃʌ v ə l/ (shovels , shovelling , shovelled ) in AM, use shoveling , shoveled 1 N‑COUNT A shovel is a tool with a long handle that is used for lifting and moving earth, coal, or snow. □ …a coal shovel. □ She dug the foundation with a pick and shovel.
2 VERB If you shovel earth, coal, or snow, you lift and move it with a shovel. □ [V n] He has to get out and shovel snow. □ [V n prep/adv] Pendergood had shovelled the sand out of the caravan.
3 VERB If you shovel something somewhere, you push a lot of it quickly into that place. □ [V n prep/adv] Randall was shoveling food into his mouth.
show ◆◆◆ /ʃoʊ / (shows , showing , showed , shown )
1 VERB If something shows that a state of affairs exists, it gives information that proves it or makes it clear to people. □ [V that] Research shows that a high-fibre diet may protect you from bowel cancer. □ [V n] These figures show an increase of over one million in unemployment. □ [be V -ed to-inf] New airline technology was shown to be improving fuel consumption. □ [V wh] You'll be given regular blood tests to show whether you have been infected.
2 VERB If a picture, chart, film, or piece of writing shows something, it represents it or gives information about it. □ [V n] Figure 4.1 shows the respiratory system. □ [V -ed] The cushions, shown left, measure 20 x 12 inches and cost $39.95. □ [V n v-ing] Much of the film shows the painter simply going about his task. □ [V wh] Our photograph shows how the plants will turn out.
3 VERB If you show someone something, you give it to them, take them to it, or point to it, so that they can see it or know what you are referring to. □ [V n + to ] Cut out this article and show it to your bank manager. □ [V n n] He showed me the flat he shares with Esther. □ [V n wh] I showed them where the gun was.
4 VERB If you show someone to a room or seat, you lead them there. □ [V n prep/adv] Let me show you to my study. □ [V n n] I'll show you the way.
5 VERB If you show someone how to do something, you do it yourself so that they can watch you and learn how to do it. □ [V n wh] Claire showed us how to make a chocolate roulade. □ [V n n] Dr. Reichert has shown us a new way to look at those behavior problems.
6 VERB If something shows or if you show it, it is visible or noticeable. □ [V n] His beard was just beginning to show signs of grey. □ [V ] Faint glimmers of daylight were showing through the treetops.
7 VERB If you show a particular attitude, quality, or feeling, or if it shows , you behave in a way that makes this attitude, quality, or feeling clear to other people. □ [V n] She showed no interest in her children. □ [V ] Ferguson was unhappy and it showed. □ [V n n] You show me respect. □ [V pron-refl to-inf] Mr Clarke has shown himself to be resolutely opposed to compromise. □ [V that] The baby was tugging at his coat to show that he wanted to be picked up.
8 VERB If something shows a quality or characteristic or if that quality or characteristic shows itself , it can be noticed or observed. □ [V n] The story shows a strong narrative gift and a vivid eye for detail. □ [V pron-refl] How else did his hostility to women show itself?
9 N‑COUNT [usu a N of n] A show of a feeling or quality is an attempt by someone to make it clear that they have that feeling or quality. □ [+ of ] Miners gathered in the city centre in a show of support for the government.
10 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that something is for show , you mean that it has no real purpose and is done just to give a good impression. □ The change in government is more for show than for real.
11 VERB If a company shows a profit or a loss, its accounts indicate that it has made a profit or a loss. □ [V n] It is the only one of the three companies expected to show a profit for the quarter.
12 VERB If a person you are expecting to meet does not show , they do not arrive at the place where you expect to meet them. [mainly AM ] □ [V ] There was always a chance he wouldn't show. ● PHRASAL VERB Show up means the same as show . □ [V P ] We waited until five o'clock, but he did not show up.
13 N‑COUNT A television or radio show is a programme on television or radio. □ I had my own TV show. □ This is the show in which the presenter visits the houses of the famous. □ …a popular talk show on a Cuban radio station.
14 N‑COUNT A show in a theatre is an entertainment or concert, especially one that includes different items such as music, dancing, and comedy. □ How about going shopping and seeing a show in London?
15 VERB If someone shows a film or television programme, it is broadcast or appears on television or in the cinema. □ [V n] The BBC World Service Television news showed the same film clip. □ [V ] At its peak, the film showed in 93 theaters nationwide in its third weekend. ● show|ing (showings ) N‑COUNT □ [+ of ] I gave him a private showing of the film.