string out
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb (transitive) To arrange or extend things in a long, thin line or sequence; to stretch out in a series.
Usage
The verb "string out" is used to describe the action of placing objects or arranging events so they form a line or occur over an extended period. It often implies a linear or sequential order.
Examples
- The climbers strung out along the narrow ridge.
- The teacher strung out the flashcards across the floor for the activity.
- The festival organizers strung the events out over three weekends to accommodate more visitors.
Advanced Usage
- To prolong or extend the duration of something: This usage is informal and often implies making something last longer than necessary or desirable.
- The negotiators strung out the talks for months without reaching an agreement.
- To be under the influence of drugs (slang): This is a highly informal, slang usage meaning to be intoxicated, especially by narcotics.
- He was so strung out he could barely stand.
Variants and Related Words
- Strung out (adjective): Describes something extended in a line or a person suffering from exhaustion or drug addiction.
- A strung-out line of traffic. (extended)
- She looked tired and strung-out after the long journey. (exhausted)
- String (verb): To thread on a string; to arrange in a series.
- Stretch out (verb): To extend in length or duration.
Synonyms
- Extend
- Stretch out
- Space out
- Align
- Arrange in a line
Phrasal Verbs
- String along: To deceive someone or keep them waiting with false hopes.
- He had no intention of hiring her; he was just stringing her along.
- String together: To combine words or ideas to form a coherent sequence.
- She managed to string together a few sentences in French.
Related Idioms
- String someone up: To hang someone (informal, often used as a threat).
- The villagers threatened to string him up for the theft.
- Have someone on a string: To have complete control or influence over someone.
- She has her boss on a string; he agrees to everything she suggests.
Verb
- set out or stretch in a line, succession, or series
- the houses were strung out in a long row