crane

Everyday

1. A crane is a very tall machine with a long arm used to lift and move heavy things, especially on building sites and at ports. tree →
2. A crane is also a large bird with long legs, a long neck and a long beak. tree →
3. To crane your neck is to stretch your neck to see something better. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life tower cranes build tall buildings and dock cranes unload ships; in science they are examples of lifting machines using pulleys and levers. In nature lessons cranes are wading birds; in Japan a paper crane folded in origami is a symbol of peace and hope. Phrases: tower crane, crane driver, crane your neck, paper crane.

Examples

• A huge crane lifted the steel beams to the top floor. tree →
• The crane unloaded the containers from the ship. tree →
• A crane stood in the marsh on one leg. tree →
• We folded paper cranes in art class. tree →
• I craned my neck to see over the crowd. tree →
• The crane driver sits in a little cab high in the air. tree →
• Cranes fly in big flocks when they migrate. tree →
• ‘Take this sack,’ said the crane. tree →

Note

Countable noun: a crane, cranes. Verb: crane, craned, craning (usually «crane your neck»). The machine was named after the bird because of its long neck. Safety: never walk under a load that a crane is lifting.

In Jewish tradition

A migrating bird. Jeremiah says even birds know their season, but God's people do not know His law.

Interpretation. Jeremiah's point is read as a rebuke: birds follow their instinct, while people ignore God's commands. Hezekiah's sad cry like a bird shows his plea for healing.

Examples

• Like a swallow or a crane, so do I chatter, I do moan as a dove; mine eyes fail with looking upward. (Prophets ISA.38.14, JPS 1917) tree →
• Yea, the stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times; and the turtle and the swallow and the crane observe the time of their coming; but My people know not the ordinance of the LORD. (Prophets JER.8.7, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Countable noun: a crane, cranes. Verb: crane, craned, craning (usually «crane your neck»). The machine was named after the bird because of its long neck. Safety: never walk under a load that a crane is lifting.