cable-car

A cable-car ascends the steep hill overlooking the city.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A vehicle suspended from a moving cable: A "cable-car" is a means of transport that hangs from a continuously moving cable, often used to carry passengers up steep slopes, such as in mountainous regions or across valleys. It is typically enclosed and moves along a fixed route.
   • A streetcar pulled by a cable: In some historical or urban contexts, a "cable-car" can refer to a tram or streetcar that is pulled along rails by a moving underground cable, as seen in cities like San Francisco.

Usage Examples

• Mountain transport:

  • We took the cable-car to the top of the mountain to enjoy the panoramic view. (We used the suspended vehicle to ascend the mountain.)
  • The cable-car swayed slightly as it crossed the deep gorge. (The hanging vehicle moved unsteadily over the ravine.)

• Urban transport:

  • San Francisco's iconic cable-car climbs the steep streets with a distinctive bell sound. (The streetcar pulled by a cable ascends the city's hills.)

Advanced Usage

• "Cable-car system": The entire infrastructure of cables, towers, and vehicles for transporting people or goods.

  • The new cable-car system in the city reduces traffic congestion by providing a scenic route. (The network of cables and cars improves urban mobility.)

• "To ride a cable-car": To travel using this mode of transport.

  • Riding a cable-car in the Alps is a thrilling experience. (Traveling by suspended car in the mountains is exciting.)

Variants and Related Words

• Cable (n): a strong rope or wire, often made of steel, used for support or pulling.

  • The cable holding the car snapped during the storm. (The thick wire broke.)

• Cableway (n): a system of cables used to transport goods or people, often synonymous with a cable-car system.

  • The cableway transports ore from the mine to the processing plant. (The cable system moves materials.)

• Gondola (n): a type of cable-car that is often open or partly enclosed, used for skiing or tourism.

  • We rode the gondola up the ski slope. (We used an open cable-car.)

Synonyms

• Aerial tramway: a system of suspended cars or cabins for transport.
• Funifor: a specific type of cable-car with two parallel cables for stability.

Related Idioms

• "Not one's cable-car": A rare, informal phrase used to indicate something is not one's concern or preference.
  • That kind of extreme sport is not my cable-car. (That activity is not for me.)

Phrasal Verbs

• Cable-car into: to enter or board a cable-car.

  • We cable-carred into the station just as the doors closed. (We boarded the cable-car.)

• Cable-car out: to exit or disembark from a cable-car.

  • We cable-carred out at the summit station. (We left the cable-car at the top.)