limp

Everyday

1. To limp is to walk unevenly because one leg or foot is hurt or stiff. tree →
2. A limp is that uneven way of walking. tree →
3. Limp means soft and floppy, not firm or stiff, like a wet lettuce leaf. tree →
4. A limp handshake or effort is weak, without energy. tree →

In the lessons

In stories "limp" tells the reader that a person or animal is injured or tired. In first aid, someone limping may have a sprain and should rest. In cooking and science, limp plants or vegetables have lost water. Phrases: "walk with a limp", "go limp", "limp home", "limp along" (keep going badly).

Examples

• Tom limped off the pitch after he twisted his ankle. tree →
• The old dog walks with a limp. tree →
• My lettuce went limp because I forgot to put it in the fridge. tree →
• The flowers looked limp, so we gave them water. tree →
• The baby went limp and fell asleep in my arms. tree →
• The injured fox limped into the bushes. tree →
• He gave me a limp handshake. tree →
• The broken car limped home slowly. tree →
• He had a nasty fall, and limped away as quickly as he could, howling dismally. tree →

Note

Verb is regular: limped, limping. As a noun it is countable: "a limp". As an adjective it means floppy; plants go limp when they lack water (they lose pressure in their cells). Do not mix up with "limb" (an arm or leg).

In Jewish tradition

Interpretation: Tradition reads Jacob's limp as a mark left by his struggle with an angel at night. It is the reason Jews do not eat the sciatic nerve of an animal. In the primary lessons: In stories "limp" tells the reader that a person or animal is injured or tired. In first aid, someone limping may have a sprain and should rest. In cooking and science, limp plants or vegetables have lost water. Phrases: "walk with a limp", "go limp", "limp home", "limp along" (keep going badly).

Examples

• And the sun rose upon him as he passed over Peniel, and he limped upon his thigh. (Torah GEN.32.31, JPS 1917) tree →
• The legs hang limp from the lame; so is a parable in the mouth of fools. (Writings PRO.26.7, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Verb is regular: limped, limping. As a noun it is countable: "a limp". As an adjective it means floppy; plants go limp when they lack water (they lose pressure in their cells). Do not mix up with "limb" (an arm or leg).