balking

Thân thiện

The mule is balking at the edge of the stream.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Stopping short and refusing to go on: Describes someone or something that stops suddenly and is unwilling to proceed or continue. This often implies stubbornness or resistance.
   • Refractory, uncooperative: More broadly, it can describe a person or thing that is difficult to manage, control, or persuade.

Usage

• The adjective "balking" is used to describe a subject that is actively resisting or refusing to move forward, either physically or metaphorically. It often carries a negative connotation of being obstinate or uncooperative.
• It is typically placed before a noun (attributive position) but can also follow a linking verb (predicative position).

Examples

• Before a noun (Attributive):
  • The balking horse refused to jump the fence.
  • We faced a balking customer who wouldn't accept the terms.
• After a linking verb (Predicative):
  • The engine was balking at the steep incline.
  • The committee is balking at the proposed budget cuts.

Advanced Usage

• "To be balking at something": This is a common construction where "balking" functions similarly to a present participle, describing the act of hesitating or refusing to accept a specific thing or idea.
  • Investors are balking at the high level of risk.
  • She kept balking at the suggestion to move abroad.

Variants and Related Words

• Balk (verb): To stop or refuse abruptly to do something.
  • The horse balked at the water jump.
• Balky (adjective): A synonym for "balking," meaning inclined to stop and refuse to go on; stubborn.
  • a balky starter motor
• Balker (noun): One who balks.

Synonyms

• Hesitant: Slow to act or proceed due to uncertainty or reluctance.
• Reluctant: Unwilling and hesitant.
• Recalcitrant: Having an obstinately uncooperative attitude.
• Intransigent: Unwilling to change one's views or agree.

Related Phrases

• Balk at the idea: To be unwilling to accept or consider a particular idea or suggestion.
  • He balked at the idea of working on weekends.
• Balk at the cost: To hesitate or refuse because of the high price or expense.
  • Many customers balk at the cost of the premium service.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. stopping short and refusing to go on
   • a balking
   • a balky mule
   • a balky customer

Từ đồng nghĩa

• balky