snarl

Everyday

1. When an animal such as a dog snarls, it shows its teeth and makes a deep, angry growl. tree →
2. When a person snarls, they say something in an angry, nasty voice. tree →
3. (noun) A snarl is that angry growl or angry look. tree →
4. A snarl is also a tangle, a knot of hair, string or wool; and things such as traffic can snarl, become stuck and tangled up. tree →
5. (UK) A snarl-up is a traffic jam. tree →

In the lessons

In stories "snarled" is a strong speech verb that shows anger instead of "said". In nature lessons it describes warning signs of dogs, wolves and big cats: back away slowly. In everyday life, hair snarls and traffic snarl-ups. Phrases: "snarl at someone", "snarl up", "a snarl of wires", "traffic snarl".

Examples

• The guard dog snarled at the stranger at the gate. tree →
• "Get out of my room!" my sister snarled. tree →
• The wolf gave a low snarl and showed its teeth. tree →
• Mum combed the snarls out of my hair. tree →
• The fishing line got snarled around the reel. tree →
• There was a huge snarl-up on the motorway this morning. tree →
• If a dog snarls, stand still and do not stare at it. tree →
• The villain snarled his answer. tree →
• "What!" snarled the Wolf, whirling around. tree →

Note

Regular verb: snarled, snarling. "Snarl" (growl) and "snarl" (tangle) look the same but come from different old words. "Snarl-up" is mostly British. Do not confuse with "snail" or "sneer".

In Jewish tradition

In Proverbs the word is used of a person who "snarls" against wisdom, meaning he rages against good advice.

Interpretation. Tradition reads it as warning against stubborn, selfish people who cut themselves off from others and attack good sense.

Examples

• He that separateth himself seeketh his own desire, and snarlest against all sound wisdom. (Writings PRO.18.1, JPS 1917) tree →
• It is an honour for a man to keep aloof from strife; but every fool will be snarling. (Writings PRO.20.3, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Regular verb: snarled, snarling. "Snarl" (growl) and "snarl" (tangle) look the same but come from different old words. "Snarl-up" is mostly British. Do not confuse with "snail" or "sneer".