mast

Everyday

1. A mast is a tall pole on a boat that holds the sails. tree →
2. A mast is a tall pole or tower that holds a flag, an aerial or radio and phone equipment. tree →

In the lessons

In stories about ships and pirates, sailors climb the mast. In everyday life, phone masts carry mobile signals. Phrases: "flag at half mast" (lowered a little to show sadness), "nail your colours to the mast" (say firmly what you believe).

Examples

• The sailors raised the sail up the mast. tree →
• A seagull sat on top of the mast. tree →
• The flag was flying at half mast. tree →
• A new phone mast was built on the hill. tree →
• The storm broke the ship's mast. tree →
• The lookout climbed to the top of the mast. tree →
• She could see the men clinging to the masts. tree →

Note

Countable. "Half mast" (or "half staff" in the USA) means the flag is lowered for a sad event. Not related to "mask" or "must".

In Jewish tradition

Ezekiel describes Tyre as a splendid ship with cedar masts. Proverbs says a drunk is like someone asleep at the top of a mast.

Interpretation. Tyre's ship image shows pride in wealth and beauty that ends in wreck. Tradition reads it as a warning against vanity.

Examples

• Of cypress-trees from Senir have they fashioned all thy planks; they have taken cedars from Lebanon to make masts for thee. (Prophets EZK.27.5, JPS 1917) tree →
• Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast. (Writings PRO.23.34, JPS 1917) tree →
• Thy tacklings are loosed; they do not hold the stand of their mast, they do not spread the sail; then is the prey of a great spoil divided; the lame take the prey. (Prophets ISA.33.23, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Countable. "Half mast" (or "half staff" in the USA) means the flag is lowered for a sad event. Not related to "mask" or "must".