rust through
B2 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words
When metal gets so rusty that it makes a hole all the way through.
Literal meaning: Rust moving through an object — quite transparent.
Meanings
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."
Grammar: inseparable
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."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Most commonly used in passive constructions or to describe old vehicles, pipes, or metal structures. Common in British and American English equally.
Commonly used with
pipe panel bodywork hull floor bracket
Forms
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
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