Jacob's ladder

/'dʤeikəbz'lædə/
Học thuật
Thân thiện
Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A nautical rope ladder: A hanging ladder made of ropes or chains with wooden or metal rungs, used on ships.
    • A flowering plant: A European perennial plant (Polemonium caeruleum) with bright blue or white flowers and leaves that resemble a ladder.
Usage Examples

  • Noun (Nautical):

    • The sailor climbed the Jacob's ladder to board the ship from the small boat.
    • The old schooner had a Jacob's ladder hanging down its side.

  • Noun (Botany):

    • We planted Jacob's ladder in the shady part of the garden for its beautiful blue flowers.
    • The Jacob's ladder is known for its distinctive ladder-like leaf arrangement.
Advanced Usage
  • Biblical Allusion: The term originates from the biblical story of Jacob, who dreamt of a ladder reaching to heaven (Genesis 28:12). This is the primary cultural reference.
    • The painting depicted Jacob's vision of the Jacob's ladder with angels ascending and descending.
Variants and Related Words
  • Polemonium caeruleum: The scientific/Latin name for the Jacob's ladder plant.
  • Charity (plant): A common name for a similar plant (), sometimes confused with Jacob's ladder.
  • Rope ladder: A general term for a ladder made of rope, of which a Jacob's ladder is a specific nautical type.
Synonyms
  • Nautical context: Rope ladder, ship's ladder, accommodation ladder (though this last one is often more rigid).
  • Botanical context: Greek valerian (a common name for ).
Related Phrases
  • "Climb a Jacob's ladder": Can be used metaphorically to describe a difficult or steep ascent, alluding to the challenging vertical rope ladder.
    • Getting that promotion felt like climbing a Jacob's ladder.
Related Idioms
  • "Jacob's ladder" as a metaphor: Often used to symbolize a connection between earth and heaven, or a difficult path to a higher state.
    • For the aspiring artist, mastering the craft was her Jacob's ladder to recognition.
Noun
  1. (nautical) a hanging ladder of ropes or chains supporting wooden or metal rungs or steps
  2. pinnate-leaved European perennial having bright blue or white flowers

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