stoop

Everyday

1. To stoop is to bend your body forwards and down: he stooped to pick up the coin. tree →
2. A stoop is a habit of standing with your shoulders and head bent forward. tree →
3. To stoop to something is to do something bad or mean that is below your usual standards: I would never stoop to cheating. tree →
4. (US, Canada) A stoop is a small set of steps and a platform in front of a house door. tree →

In the lessons

Everyday life and health: stoop to tie your shoelaces; bend your knees when lifting heavy things, not just stoop with your back. Stories: an old man with a stoop; a villain who «stoops to lies». US: kids sitting on the front stoop in city streets.

Examples

• She stooped to pick up the shell. tree →
• Grandad walks with a slight stoop. tree →
• He stooped under the low doorway. tree →
• I would never stoop to stealing. tree →
• They sat on the stoop eating ice lollies. (US) tree →
• Don't stoop when you lift the heavy box; bend your knees. tree →
• The giant had to stoop to enter the house. tree →
• He stooped to look at it. tree →

Note

Homophone: «stoop» sounds like «stoup» (a holy-water basin in a church; rare). Do not confuse with «stop» or «swoop». «Stoop to» = lower yourself morally.

In Jewish tradition

To "stoop down" here means to crouch low, like a lion getting ready to rest or spring. In the Prophets and Writings it means to bow down in defeat, as the helpers of Rahab did under God and as the idols Bel and Nebo do in Isaiah.

Interpretation. In Jacob's blessing Judah is compared to a lion. Tradition reads this as a sign of royal strength, since King David and later kings came from his tribe. Isaiah's bowing idols are read as showing that false gods cannot save even themselves.

Examples

• He stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as a lioness; who shall rouse him up? (Torah GEN.49.9, JPS 1917) tree →
• God will not withdraw His anger; the helpers of Rahab did stoop under Him. (Writings JOB.9.13, JPS 1917) tree →
• They stoop, they bow down together, they could not deliver the burden; and themselves are gone into captivity. (Prophets ISA.46.2, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Homophone: «stoop» sounds like «stoup» (a holy-water basin in a church; rare). Do not confuse with «stop» or «swoop». «Stoop to» = lower yourself morally.