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feed through

B2 neutral separable transitive/intransitive

For something to pass through a system and produce a noticeable effect at the other end, or to physically thread something through a device.

In plain English

For something (like news, money, or a signal) to move through a system and eventually show its effect.

What does "feed through" mean?

2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.

1 B2 idiomatic neutral

Of a change or effect: to work its way through a system and produce visible results.

"It will take six months for the interest rate cut to feed through to mortgage holders."

inseparable
2 B1 neutral

To physically thread or pass material through a machine or narrow opening.

"Feed the wire through the conduit carefully so it doesn't get tangled."

separable

Literal vs figurative

Words literally mean

To feed (supply) something so that it travels through and emerges on the other side.

Actually means

For something (like news, money, or a signal) to move through a system and eventually show its effect.

Usage tip

Common in economics, journalism, and engineering. In financial contexts, refers to how changes in one part of an economy eventually affect another. Also used literally for threading cables, wire, or material through a machine.

Words that pair with "feed through"

Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.

economy market system prices cable wire

How to conjugate "feed through"

The five tense forms you'll use most often.

Base
feed through
I/you/we/they
3rd person
feeds through
he/she/it
Past simple
feeded through
yesterday
Past participle
feeded through
have + pp
-ing form
feeding through
continuous

Hear "feed through" in the wild

Listen to native speakers using "feed through" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.

Other ways to say "feed through"

Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.

filter through pass through percolate through transmit work through

Keep exploring

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