cross-bar

A gymnast swings on the cross-bar during a practice session.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A horizontal bar or rod: "cross-bar" refers to a bar or rod that is set horizontally, often used as a structural component in construction or machinery.
   • In sports (especially football/soccer and rugby): "cross-bar" is the horizontal bar that forms the top of the goal frame, connecting the two vertical goalposts.

Usage Examples

• Structural use:

  • The gate's cross-bar was made of sturdy iron. (The horizontal bar across the gate provided stability.)

• Sports use:

  • The striker hit the cross-bar with his powerful shot. (The ball struck the horizontal top bar of the goal, and did not go in.)

Advanced Usage

• "to hit the cross-bar": in sports, to strike the horizontal bar of the goal with the ball, often resulting in a missed goal.

  • The penalty kick hit the cross-bar and bounced away. (The ball struck the top bar and did not enter the goal.)

• "cross-bar challenge": a game where players try to hit the cross-bar with a ball from a distance, often used as a training exercise.

  • The team practiced their accuracy with a cross-bar challenge. (They aimed to strike the horizontal bar for precision.)

Variants and Related Words

• Crossbar (n): alternative spelling, often used as one word.

  • The crossbar of the bicycle was painted red. (The horizontal part of the bike frame.)

• Crossbarred (adj): having a cross-bar or being marked with cross lines.

  • The window was crossbarred for security. (The window had horizontal bars for protection.)

Synonyms

• Horizontal bar: a bar that is level and parallel to the ground.
• Transverse bar: a bar placed across something.

Related Idioms

• "Over the cross-bar": in sports (especially rugby), a phrase used to describe a successful goal kick where the ball passes over the cross-bar.
  • The kick went over the cross-bar, scoring three points. (The ball passed above the horizontal bar and between the posts.)