arrow

Everyday

1. A thin straight stick with a sharp point at the front and feathers at the back, shot from a bow. tree →
2. A sign shaped like this (→) that points to show a direction or where to look. tree →
3. A key or button on a keyboard or screen with this shape, used to move something. tree →

In the lessons

In maths an arrow shows direction on a number line or in a diagram, and in graphs it shows that a line goes on and on; in science diagrams arrows show which way a force pushes or how energy or food passes in a food chain. In everyday life and safety, arrows on signs show the way out, one-way streets and fire exits. In stories, bows and arrows belong to hunters, archers and Robin Hood. Phrases: «follow the arrows», «arrow key», «bow and arrow», «straight as an arrow».

Examples

• Robin Hood shot the arrow right into the middle of the target. tree →
• Follow the green arrows to the fire exit. tree →
• In a food chain, the arrow points from the grass to the rabbit that eats it. tree →
• Press the arrow keys to move your character. tree →
• Draw an arrow to show which way the force pushes the box. tree →
• The arrow on the sign said the zoo was to the left. tree →
• The road went on, straight as an arrow. tree →
• On a number line, the arrow shows that the numbers keep going. tree →
• The arrow whistled through the air. tree →

Note

Countable: an arrow, two arrows. In a food chain the arrow means «is eaten by» / «gives energy to» — it points to the eater, not to the food; pupils often draw it the wrong way. Real arrows are dangerous: never aim a bow at a person.

In Jewish tradition

In the Torah arrows are a picture of God's punishments, shot at those who turn away from Him. In the Writings they are also a picture of sharp, hurtful words, and in Kings an arrow is used by the prophet Elisha as a sign of victory.

Interpretation. In Moses' last song, God's arrows are read as the troubles that follow when Israel is unfaithful. Elisha's arrows are read as a sign from God that the king would defeat Aram.

Examples

• I will heap evils upon them; I will spend Mine arrows upon them; (Torah DEU.32.23, JPS 1917) tree →
• I will make Mine arrows drunk with blood, and My sword shall devour flesh; with the blood of the slain and the captives, from the long-haired heads of the enemy.' (Torah DEU.32.42, JPS 1917) tree →
• Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of broom. (Writings PSA.120.4, JPS 1917) tree →
• As a madman who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death; (Writings PRO.26.18, JPS 1917) tree →
• And he said: 'Take the arrows'; and he took them. (Prophets 2KI.13.18, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Countable: an arrow, two arrows. In a food chain the arrow means «is eaten by» / «gives energy to» — it points to the eater, not to the food; pupils often draw it the wrong way. Real arrows are dangerous: never aim a bow at a person.