| Language: | Old English |
| Origin: | thancian |
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thank S1 W2
[transitive]
[transitive]1 to tell someone that you are pleased and grateful for something they have done, or to be polite about it :
I haven't had a chance to thank him yet.
I haven't had a chance to thank him yet. thank somebody for (doing) something
Did you thank Uncle Ron for the present?
Madeleine thanked everyone for coming.
Did you thank Uncle Ron for the present?
Madeleine thanked everyone for coming.2 used to show that you are very glad about something :
Thank God that's over! I've never been so nervous in my life!
thank God/goodness/heavens
Thank God that's over! I've never been so nervous in my life!3 used to tell someone that they are very lucky, especially because they have avoided an unpleasant or dangerous situation :
You should thank your lucky stars I got here when I did!
thank your lucky stars
spoken
You should thank your lucky stars I got here when I did!4 used to say that you are responsible for something bad that has happened to you :
She has only herself to thank if she doesn't have any friends.
only have yourself to thank (for something)
spoken
She has only herself to thank if she doesn't have any friends.5 used to tell someone not to be annoyed with you for doing or saying something, because it will be helpful to them later :
You'll thank me for this one day, Laura.
you'll thank me
spoken
You'll thank me for this one day, Laura.6 used to tell someone that another person will be annoyed because of what they have done :
I know you're just trying to help, but he won't thank you for telling him how to do it.
somebody won't thank you (for doing something)
I know you're just trying to help, but he won't thank you for telling him how to do it.7 used to tell someone in an angry way not to do something because it is annoying you :
I'll thank you to mind your own business.
I'll thank you to do something
spoken formal
I'll thank you to mind your own business.8 to say that you are grateful to someone who is responsible for something good happening. This expression is sometimes used humorously to mean that you are not grateful for what someone has done :
I have Phil to thank for getting me my first job.
And who do I have to thank for that mess on my desk?
have somebody to thank for (doing) something
I have Phil to thank for getting me my first job.
And who do I have to thank for that mess on my desk?