Definition

1. Noun:

   • A sticky, adhesive substance, traditionally made from the bark of the holly tree, which is smeared on twigs or branches to trap small birds by ensnaring their feet.

2. Verb:

   • To apply birdlime to a surface, such as a branch, in order to catch birds.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The poacher used birdlime on the branches to catch finches illegally.
  • Birdlime is a very effective but inhumane method of trapping birds.

• Verb:

  • He planned to birdlime the trees near the feeder.
  • The practice of birdliming is now banned in many countries to protect wildlife.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used metaphorically to describe something that traps or ensnares people in a sticky situation.
  • The complicated contract was a form of legal birdlime, trapping unsuspecting clients.

Variants and Related Words

• Birdliming (gerund/noun): The act of using birdlime.
• Lime (noun, historical/archaic): A shortened, older term for birdlime or similar sticky substances used for catching birds.

Synonyms

• Noun: adhesive, glue, snare (specifically for the substance and its purpose).
• Verb: ensnare, trap, catch (for the general action, though not specific to the substance).

Related Phrases

• To be limed: An archaic phrase meaning to be caught or trapped, derived from the practice of using birdlime.
  • The spy was limed by his own clever scheme.

Noun

1. a sticky adhesive that is smeared on small branches to capture small birds

Verb

1. spread birdlime on branches to catch birds