bat

Everyday

1. A bat is a small flying animal with wings of skin that comes out at night. tree →
2. A bat is also a stick or club for hitting the ball in games like cricket, baseball and rounders. tree →
3. To bat means to take a turn at hitting the ball. tree →
4. «Not bat an eye» means to not show any surprise. tree →

In the lessons

In science, bats are mammals, not birds; most eat insects or fruit, and many find their way with echoes (echolocation). Bats are protected in many places; never touch a bat, because it can carry disease. In sports, you bat in cricket and baseball; the batter or batsman holds the bat. Phrases: cricket bat, baseball bat, at bat, right off the bat, blind as a bat.

Examples

• A bat flew out of the cave at dusk. tree →
• Bats hang upside down when they sleep. tree →
• Bats find insects in the dark using echoes. tree →
• He hit the ball hard with the cricket bat. tree →
• It's your turn to bat! tree →
• She batted first for her team. tree →
• Never pick up a bat; tell an adult. tree →
• Bats are the only mammals that can truly fly. tree →

Note

Same spelling, two meanings: the animal and the stick. Double the t: batted, batting. Myth: bats are not blind; most see quite well. «Blind as a bat» is just a saying.

In Jewish tradition

An unclean flying creature that Israel may not eat. The Torah lists it among the birds.

Interpretation. The bat is included among the forbidden birds and is not kosher. The tradition teaches that it is unclean even though it flies like a bird and is not a bird.

Examples

• and the stork, and the heron after its kinds, and the hoopoe, and the bat. (Torah LEV.11.19, JPS 1917) tree →
• Biliteral combinatinnx upon irhich all other combinatinm are bated. (Mordell, The Origin of Letters and Numerals according to Sefer Yetzirah (1914)) tree →

Note

Same spelling, two meanings: the animal and the stick. Double the t: batted, batting. Myth: bats are not blind; most see quite well. «Blind as a bat» is just a saying.