crow's-nest
Definition
- Noun:
- Nautical lookout platform: A "crow's-nest" is a small, enclosed platform near the top of a ship's mast, used by a lookout to watch for hazards, other ships, or land.
- Obsolete botanical term: In botany, "crow's-nest" can refer to the wild carrot plant (Daucus carota), though this usage is rare and largely historical.
Usage Examples
Nautical:
- The sailor climbed to the crow's-nest to scan the horizon for icebergs. (A lookout position high on the mast.)
- From the crow's-nest, the watchman spotted a distant sail. (A raised platform for surveillance.)
Botanical (historical):
- The field was overgrown with crow's-nest, also known as Queen Anne's lace. (A wild plant resembling a carrot.)
Advanced Usage
"to be in the crow's-nest": To be stationed at the lookout platform.
- The captain ordered the best seaman to be in the crow's-nest during the storm. (To assume the lookout position.)
"crow's-nest view": A high vantage point offering a wide perspective.
- From the top of the hill, we had a crow's-nest view of the entire valley. (A panoramic viewpoint.)
Variants and Related Words
- Crow's-nest (n): The primary term; note the hyphenated spelling. It is a compound word, not a variant of "crow."
- The crow's-nest was repaired after the gale. (The lookout platform.)
Synonyms
- Lookout: a person or place used for watching.
- Watchtower: a high structure for observation (similar function but on land).
Related Idioms
"To be in the crow's-nest": To be in a position of vigilance or leadership.
- As the project manager, she is always in the crow's-nest, overseeing the team's progress. (To be in a supervisory role.)
"Crow's-nest perspective": A metaphor for a broad, strategic viewpoint.
- The CEO took a crow's-nest perspective on the company's future. (A high-level, comprehensive view.)