1 B2 neutral
For metal to be eaten completely through by rust, forming holes.
"The old car's exhaust pipe had rusted through and needed replacing immediately."
inseparable
rust through
B2 neutral inseparable intransitive
To corrode completely through a material due to rust, leaving a hole or gap.
In plain English
When metal gets so rusty that it makes a hole all the way through.
What does "rust through" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 neutral
For a structure or component to become so corroded that it fails structurally.
"The iron railing on the old bridge had rusted through in several places, making it dangerous."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
Rust moving through an object — quite transparent.
Actually means
When metal gets so rusty that it makes a hole all the way through.
Usage tip
Most commonly used in passive constructions or to describe old vehicles, pipes, or metal structures. Common in British and American English equally.
Words that pair with "rust through"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
pipe panel bodywork hull floor bracket
How to conjugate "rust through"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
rust through
I/you/we/they
3rd person
rusts through
he/she/it
Past simple
rusted through
yesterday
Past participle
rusted through
have + pp
-ing form
rusting through
continuous
Hear "rust through" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "rust through" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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