limpet

Everyday

1. A limpet is a small sea animal with a cone-shaped shell that clings very tightly to rocks. tree →
2. (informal) Someone who sticks to you like a limpet will not leave you alone. tree →

In the lessons

Met in science on the seashore and rock pools; in everyday talk «cling like a limpet» means hold on very tightly.

Examples

• We found limpets on the rocks at low tide. tree →
• A limpet clings to the rock so the waves can't move it. tree →
• Limpets eat tiny plants called algae. tree →
• My little brother clung to Mum like a limpet. tree →
• You can't pull a limpet off a rock easily. tree →
• Limpet teeth are one of the strongest natural materials. tree →

Note

Countable noun: a limpet, limpets. A limpet is a snail-like animal (a mollusc), not a plant. Be gentle with rock-pool animals and put them back.