snap

Everyday

1. To snap is to break suddenly with a sharp cracking sound. tree →
2. To snap is to say something quickly and angrily. tree →
3. When an animal snaps, it tries to bite quickly. tree →
4. To snap your fingers is to make a clicking sound with them. tree →
5. A snap is a photograph (informal, British). tree →
6. Snap is a card game where you shout "Snap!" when two cards match. tree →

In the lessons

In science, a stretched elastic band or a dry twig snaps when the force is too great. In feelings lessons, snapping at someone happens when you are tired or cross; it is better to take a breath. In safety, a dog that snaps is warning you to stay away. Phrases: snap in half, snap at someone, snap out of it, cold snap (sudden cold weather), in a snap (very quickly), a snap decision.

Examples

• The pencil snapped in two. tree →
• I'm sorry I snapped at you. tree →
• The dog snapped at the postman. tree →
• She snapped her fingers to the music. tree →
• Grandma showed us her holiday snaps. tree →
• Snap out of it and get back to work! tree →
• We played Snap with a pack of cards. tree →
• A cold snap froze the pond. tree →
• “Man!” he snapped. “A man’s cub. tree →

Note

Past form snapped, double p. In the USA, "it's a snap" means it is very easy. A dog that snaps is not being playful; give it space.

In Jewish tradition

It means to break suddenly. Here the silver cord of life is broken.

Interpretation. Ecclesiastes uses it in its picture of old age and death. Tradition reads the cord, bowl, pitcher and wheel as parts of the body failing at the end of life.

Examples

• Before the silver cord is snapped asunder, and the golden bowl is shattered, and the pitcher is broken at the fountain, and the wheel falleth shattered, into the pit; (Writings ECC.12.6, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Past form snapped, double p. In the USA, "it's a snap" means it is very easy. A dog that snaps is not being playful; give it space.