hinge

Everyday

1. A hinge is a small metal joint that lets a door, gate, lid or window swing open and shut. tree →
2. As a verb, to hinge on something means to depend on it completely («Everything hinges on the weather»). tree →
3. A hinge can also be a movable joint in the body, such as the one that lets your jaw open and shut. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life and safety hinges are on doors, cupboards, boxes and laptops; fingers can get trapped in the hinge side of a door. In science and design it is a simple pivot, like a joint in the body (the knee and elbow are hinge joints). Phrases: «off its hinges», «hinge joint», «hinge on».

Examples

• The door squeaks because the hinge needs oil. tree →
• Mind your fingers near the hinges of the door. tree →
• The gate came off its hinges in the storm. tree →
• Your elbow is a hinge joint; it bends only one way. tree →
• The lid of the box is fixed with two small hinges. tree →
• The match hinged on the last penalty. tree →
• Whether we go to the beach hinges on the weather. tree →
• My laptop's hinge is loose, so the screen wobbles. tree →
• These tears ran slowly down his face and over the hinges of his jaw, and there they rusted. tree →

Note

Countable noun: «a hinge». The verb is usually «hinge on/upon» and is often passive or about results. Past: «hinged». The g is soft (like j). Safety: never put fingers in the gap by the hinge side of a door.

In Jewish tradition

In everyday life and safety hinges are on doors, cupboards, boxes and laptops; fingers can get trapped in the hinge side of a door. In science and design it is a simple pivot, like a joint in the body (the knee and elbow are hinge joints). Phrases: «off its hinges», «hinge joint», «hinge on».

Examples

• The door is turning upon its hinges, and the sluggard is still upon his bed. (Writings PRO.26.14, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Countable noun: «a hinge». The verb is usually «hinge on/upon» and is often passive or about results. Past: «hinged». The g is soft (like j). Safety: never put fingers in the gap by the hinge side of a door.