stumble

Everyday

1. To stumble is to trip and almost fall when walking or running. tree →
2. To stumble is to make mistakes or stop when speaking or reading aloud. tree →
3. To stumble on or across something is to find it by chance. tree →

In the lessons

In stories «stumble» shows a character is tired, hurt, in the dark or scared. In reading lessons a pupil may «stumble over a hard word». In safety lessons, clear the floor so nobody stumbles over toys or cables. Adventure stories use «stumbled upon a secret cave». Phrases: «stumble over», «stumble on/upon/across».

Examples

• I stumbled on the stairs but didn't fall. tree →
• He stumbled over a tree root in the dark. tree →
• She stumbled over the long word when reading aloud. tree →
• We stumbled upon a hidden path in the woods. tree →
• The tired hiker stumbled into camp. tree →
• Pick up your toys so nobody stumbles. tree →
• The horse stumbled but kept running. tree →
• Soon he stumbled upon thickly strewn dry willow sticks. tree →

Note

Past: stumbled. «Stumble» is almost falling; «trip» is catching your foot; «fall» means you end up on the ground. «Stumble on/across» = find by luck, not walk on.

In Jewish tradition

Interpretation: "A stumbling-block before the blind" is read by the rabbis as including tricking anyone who does not know better or giving harmful advice. The curse in Leviticus is that Israel will stumble over each other in fear. In the Psalms enemies stumble before God, and those who love His law do not stumble, while Isaiah says God led Israel through the deep without stumbling, like a horse in the desert. In the primary lessons: In stories «stumble» shows a character is tired, hurt, in the dark or scared. In reading lessons a pupil may «stumble over a hard word». In safety lessons, clear the floor so nobody stumbles over toys or cables. Adventure stories use «stumbled upon a secret cave». Phrases: «stumble over», «stumble on/upon/across».

Examples

• Thou shalt not curse the deaf, nor put a stumbling-block before the blind, but thou shalt fear thy God: I am the LORD. (Torah LEV.19.14, JPS 1917) tree →
• And they shall stumble one upon another, as it were before the sword, when none pursueth; and ye shall have no power to stand before your enemies. (Torah LEV.26.37, JPS 1917) tree →
• When mine enemies are turned back, they stumble and perish at Thy presence; (Writings PSA.9.4, JPS 1917) tree →
• That led them through the deep, as a horse in the wilderness, without stumbling? (Prophets ISA.63.13, JPS 1917) tree →
• Great peace have they that love Thy law; and there is no stumbling for them. (Writings PSA.119.165, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Past: stumbled. «Stumble» is almost falling; «trip» is catching your foot; «fall» means you end up on the ground. «Stumble on/across» = find by luck, not walk on.