Definition

Proper noun: * A specific suspension bridge: The Brooklyn Bridge is a major, historic suspension bridge that spans the East River, connecting the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn in New York City, USA. It opened to traffic in 1883.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • We walked across the Brooklyn Bridge at sunset. (The specific bridge is named.)
  • The construction of the Brooklyn Bridge was a monumental engineering feat of the 19th century. (Refers to the specific historical structure.)
  • The view of the Manhattan skyline from the Brooklyn Bridge is iconic. (Identifies the location.)

Advanced Usage

• "To sell someone the Brooklyn Bridge": This is an idiomatic expression meaning to successfully deceive or swindle someone, often by convincing them to believe something utterly ridiculous or to make a foolish purchase. It capitalizes on the bridge's fame as an impossible or absurd thing to "sell."
  • He's so gullible, you could probably sell him the Brooklyn Bridge.
  • If you believe that story, I have a Brooklyn Bridge to sell you.

Variants and Related Words

• Suspension bridge (n): The type of bridge of which the Brooklyn Bridge is an example, where the deck is hung below suspension cables on vertical suspenders.
• Landmark (n): A prominent or conspicuous object in a landscape, often a building or structure of historical importance. The Brooklyn Bridge is a national historic landmark.

Synonyms

• There are no true synonyms for this proper noun, as it refers to one specific structure. In general contexts, one might use:
  • The bridge (when the context is clear in New York City).
  • An iconic bridge.

Related Phrases

• Cross the Brooklyn Bridge: The literal act of traversing it.
  • It takes about 30 minutes to cross the Brooklyn Bridge on foot.

Related Idioms

• "Sell the Brooklyn Bridge": As detailed in the 'Advanced Usage' section, this is the primary idiom associated with the term, emphasizing a grand or outrageous deception.

Noun

1. a suspension bridge across the East River in New York City; opened in 1883