swat

Everyday

1. To swat means to hit something, usually an insect, with a quick hard slap using your hand or a flat object. tree →
2. A swat is a quick hit like that. tree →
3. SWAT (in capitals) is a special police team in the USA. tree →

In the lessons

Everyday: people swat flies, mosquitoes and wasps; a «fly swatter» is a tool for this. Safety: do not swat at bees or wasps, because swatting can make them sting; stay calm and move away slowly. In stories a giant may swat people away like flies, showing great strength. Phrases: «swat a fly», «fly swatter», «swat away».

Examples

• Dad swatted the fly with a rolled-up newspaper. tree →
• Don't swat at the wasp; just walk away slowly. tree →
• The cat swatted the string with its paw. tree →
• Grandma keeps a fly swatter in the kitchen. tree →
• The giant swatted the knights away like flies. tree →
• She swatted a mosquito on her arm. tree →

Note

Double the t: «swatted, swatting». Do not confuse with «swot» (UK slang for someone who studies hard, or to study hard) or «sweat». Swatting at bees and wasps can make them sting.