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follow through

B1 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words

Finish what you started — don't give up halfway.

Literal meaning: To continue moving forward (through) after an initial action — the image of a physical motion that must be completed.

Meanings

1 B1 idiomatic neutral

To complete an action or fulfil a commitment that was started or promised.

"She promised to help with the project, but she never followed through."

"The test of leadership is not to put greatness into humanity, but to elicit it, for the greatness is already there. Leaders must follow through."

— James Buchanan, attributed
Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 neutral

In sports, to continue a swing, kick, or throw smoothly to its natural end after hitting the ball.

"The coach told him to follow through properly after hitting the ball."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic neutral

To act on a threat or intention that was previously stated.

"The government followed through on its threat to impose sanctions."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Commonly used in business, sports, and everyday contexts. In sports (golf, tennis, baseball), it has a specific physical meaning related to completing a swing or stroke. In general use, often appears in the phrase 'follow through on something'.

Commonly used with

promise plan commitment threat swing idea

Forms

Base
follow through
I/you/we/they
3rd person
follows through
he/she/it
Past simple
followed through
yesterday
Past participle
followed through
have + pp
-ing form
following through
continuous

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