alley

Everyday

1. An alley is a narrow lane or path between or behind buildings. tree →
2. A bowling alley is a building or lane where people play bowling. tree →
3. (informal) Something that is "up your alley" (also "right up your street") is the kind of thing you like. tree →

In the lessons

In stories, alleys can be dark, quiet or a shortcut; in safety lessons children are told to avoid dark alleys alone and to use busy, well-lit routes. In everyday life bowling alleys are a fun place for parties. Phrases: «a back alley», «a dark alley», «bowling alley», «blind alley» (a dead end), «up my alley».

Examples

• The cat ran down the alley behind the shops. tree →
• Don't take the dark alley home; use the main road. tree →
• We had my birthday party at the bowling alley. tree →
• The alley was too narrow for a car. tree →
• This puzzle book is right up your alley. tree →
• The thief escaped through a back alley. tree →
• The plan led us up a blind alley. tree →
• In going thus from place to place, he entered a dark alley at the bottom of which was a closed door. tree →

Note

Countable noun; plural «alleys» (just add -s). Do not confuse with «ally» (a friend or partner in a fight, AL-eye) or «alloy» (a mix of metals). «Alleyway» means the same as alley.