Spring a leak Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Literal Meaning Most directly refers to physical containers or systems leaking liquids or gases. The inflatable pool sprung a leak after it was punctured. Pro Tip 2/3Urgency Implication Implies an unexpected problem that needs immediate attention. We must fix the radiator that sprung a leak before the workshop floods. Pro Tip 3/3Emphasize Problem Used to highlight that something is not functioning correctly. The new pipeline has already sprung a leak.