hedge

Everyday

1. A hedge is a row of bushes or small trees growing close together, forming a living fence. tree →
2. To hedge means to avoid giving a clear answer. tree →
3. To hedge your bets means to protect yourself by choosing more than one option. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life hedges line gardens, fields and country lanes, especially in Britain and Ireland; they give homes to birds, hedgehogs and insects. In science lessons hedgerows are habitats. In stories a character might hide behind a hedge or squeeze through a gap. Phrases: «trim the hedge», «hedgerow», «hedge your bets», «hedge a question».

Examples

• We trimmed the hedge in the garden. tree →
• A blackbird nested in the hedge. tree →
• Hedgehogs often live under hedges. tree →
• The ball went over the hedge into the neighbour's garden. tree →
• The lane was lined with tall hedges. tree →
• When asked who broke the vase, he hedged. tree →
• I hedged my bets and brought a coat and sunglasses. tree →
• Hedgerows are homes for many animals. tree →
• The hedges of rose-bush were old, and the flowers were faded. tree →

Note

Countable: hedges. «Hedgerow» is a long hedge by a field or lane. Safety: hedges by roads can hide cars — look and listen carefully at corners and gates.

In Jewish tradition

To hedge in means to fence someone round so they cannot escape or move, as a hedge of thorns would.

Interpretation. Jewish tradition also speaks of "making a fence around the Torah," meaning extra rules that keep people far from breaking a commandment. Here the hedge is mostly a picture of suffering or of God's protection.

Examples

• To a man whose way is hid, and whom God hath hedged in? (Writings JOB.3.23, JPS 1917) tree →
• He hath hedged me about, that I cannot go forth; He hath made my chain heavy. (Writings LAM.3.7, JPS 1917) tree →
• The way of the sluggard is as though hedged by thorns; but the path of the upright is even. (Writings PRO.15.19, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Countable: hedges. «Hedgerow» is a long hedge by a field or lane. Safety: hedges by roads can hide cars — look and listen carefully at corners and gates.