collateral

Everyday

1. (formal) Collateral is something valuable, like a house, that you promise to give to a bank if you cannot pay back a loan. tree →
2. Collateral damage means harm done by accident to people or things that were not the target, especially in war; also used for side harm in everyday talk. tree →

In the lessons

It appears in money and news texts, and in the stiff formal voice. In everyday talk «collateral damage» is used half-jokingly for something hurt by accident. Phrases: «put up as collateral», «collateral damage».

Examples

• The farmer used his land as collateral for the loan. tree →
• Without collateral, the bank would not lend him money. tree →
• The bomb caused collateral damage to nearby houses. tree →
• The vase was collateral damage when the ball hit the shelf. tree →
• A bank may keep the collateral if the loan is not paid. tree →
• The bike was offered as collateral for the money. tree →

Note

Formal; uncountable. «Collateral damage» is a euphemism that can hide real harm to people. Not related to «collect».

In Jewish tradition

In the Sefer Yetzirah texts, it describes things related in a side line, not the main line. In the primary lessons: It appears in money and news texts, and in the stiff formal voice. In everyday talk «collateral damage» is used half-jokingly for something hurt by accident. Phrases: «put up as collateral», «collateral damage».

Note

Formal; uncountable. «Collateral damage» is a euphemism that can hide real harm to people. Not related to «collect».