The phrase "give someone gate" is an idiomatic expression meaning to dismiss or send someone away. It is not a commonly used phrase in modern conversation, but it can still be encountered in literature or older movies. The spelling of "gate" here is pronounced /ɡeɪt/, with a long "a" sound instead of the short "a" sound usually found in the word "get". It is believed to have originated from the phrase "give someone gait", with "gait" meaning a manner of walking, which was later adapted to the more familiar "gate".
"Give someone gate" refers to a slang expression typically used in the context of American sports, particularly football. To "give someone gate" means to tackle or block an opponent with significant force or power, often resulting in forcefully impacting them and potentially causing them to stumble or fall. This term is frequently used to describe a forceful and impactful defensive play that stops an opponent's forward progress on a football field.
The term "gate" in this expression is derived from the metaphorical interpretation of a gate as an obstruction or obstacle that prevents one from progressing freely. When someone "gives gate" to an opponent, they are effectively acting as a gate, forcefully impeding their advance.
This phrase is often used to describe a particularly impressive or impactful defensive play that goes beyond simply stopping the opponent. It emphasizes the physicality and strength displayed by the player delivering the tackle or block. It is commonly used by sports commentators, analysts, and fans to highlight the defensive prowess and dominance of a player or team. The phrase can also denote the ability of a player to impose their physical presence on the game, disrupting the opposing team's offensive strategies and creating momentum for their own team.