give way

verb

• To yield to persistent persuasion.

  "The mother gave way to her crying child."

• To collapse or break under physical stresses.

  "After years of neglect, the rusty old bridge could give way at any time."

• To be followed, succeeded, or replaced by.

  "Winter gave way to spring."

• To give precedence to other road users.

  "At the crossing, cars must give way to pedestrians."

• To allow another person to intervene to make a point or ask a question whilst one is delivering a speech.
• (as command to the crew) To begin rowing.