boards
Definition
Noun 1. The wooden planks or structure forming the stage of a theater. This meaning refers to the physical floor of a theater stage, traditionally made of wooden boards. It is often used metonymically to represent the theater profession itself. 2. The rigid, often wooden, barrier surrounding the playing area of an ice hockey rink. This refers to the wall that encloses the rink, keeping the puck in play and protecting spectators.
Usage Examples
- Noun (Theater):
- After years of training, she finally stepped onto the boards for her professional debut.
- The old actor felt most at home on the boards.
- Noun (Ice Hockey):
- The puck ricocheted sharply off the boards and back into play.
- He was checked hard into the boards by the opposing defenseman.
Advanced Usage
- "to tread/stride the boards": This is a classic idiom meaning to work as an actor in the theater.
- She has been treading the boards in regional theaters for a decade.
- "to go by the boards": This idiom means to be neglected, abandoned, or cast aside. It originates from nautical terminology, where "boards" referred to the ship's sides.
- During the crisis, all long-term plans went by the boards.
Variants and Related Words
- Board (noun): A long, thin, flat piece of wood or other rigid material.
- Board (verb): To get onto a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle.
- Boarding (noun): The act of getting on a vehicle; also, wooden planks collectively.
- Blackboard/Whiteboard (noun): A surface for writing on with chalk or markers (compound words using "board").
- Dashboard (noun): A panel of instruments in a vehicle (compound word using "board").
Synonyms
- (Theater): Stage, proscenium, platform.
- (Ice Hockey): Barrier, wall, fencing.
Related Phrases
- Above board: Legitimate, honest, and open. (Often written as one word: "aboveboard").
- The deal was completely above board.
- Across the board: Applying to all categories or members without exception.
- The company announced a 5% pay raise across the board.
Related Idioms
- Take something on board: To accept, understand, or consider an idea or piece of information.
- Thank you for the feedback; we will take your suggestions on board.
Noun
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the boarding that surrounds an ice hockey rink
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the stage of a theater
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most actors love to stride the boards
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