curbstone
/'kə:bstoun/
Definition
- Noun:
- A curbstone is a single, typically rectangular stone or concrete block that forms part of a curb. A curb is the raised edge of a sidewalk or road pavement.
Usage
- Noun:
- A curbstone is a structural and safety component of urban infrastructure. It is laid end-to-end with other curb stones to create a continuous border along a street. Its primary functions are to separate the roadway from the pedestrian walkway, provide a physical barrier for drainage control, and offer a visual guide for drivers.
Examples
- Noun:
- The city replaced the broken curbstone in front of the post office.
- He tripped and scraped his knee on the rough edge of a curbstone.
- The old granite curbstones along the historic street were worn smooth by time.
Advanced Usage
- "To be a *curbstone broker/judge/critic"*: An informal idiom describing someone who offers unsolicited opinions, advice, or judgments from the sidelines, as if they were casually leaning against a curbstone. It implies a lack of official authority or professional expertise.
- He's just a curbstone economist, always predicting market crashes from his porch.
Variants and Related Words
- Curb (n): The continuous raised edge or border, composed of many curb stones.
- Park your car close to the curb.
- Kerbstones (n, chiefly British English): The British English spelling variant of "curbstone".
- Paving stone (n): A general term for any stone used to pave a surface, which can include curb stones.
Synonyms
- Kerbing stone (chiefly British English)
- Edging stone
- Border stone
Related Phrases
(Note: "Curbstone" itself is not typically used in phrasal verbs. The related word "curb" is used instead.) - To curb (v): To restrain or keep in check. - The new policy aims to curb carbon emissions.
Related Idioms
- "Curbstone counsel": Similar to "curbstone broker," this refers to free, informal, and often amateurish advice given by a bystander.
- I don't need any curbstone counsel; I've hired a real lawyer.
Noun
-
a paving stone forming part of a curb
