hairpin bend
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A very sharp, U-shaped bend or curve in a road, resembling the shape of a hairpin. These bends are typically found on steep slopes, such as in mountainous areas, to allow a road to ascend or descend a significant elevation change in a relatively short horizontal distance.
Usage
This term is used specifically to describe a tight turn in a roadway. It is a compound noun, so it functions as a single unit to name this specific type of road feature.
Examples
- Drivers must slow down significantly for the hairpin bend ahead.
- The mountain road is famous for its series of dangerous hairpin bends.
- Navigating that hairpin bend in a large truck requires great skill.
Advanced Usage
- The term is often used in contexts related to driving, motorsports (like rally racing), and road engineering.
- It can be used metaphorically to describe any sudden, sharp change in direction or strategy, though this is less common.
Variants and Related Words
- Hairpin turn: A direct synonym, more commonly used in American English.
- Switchback: A very close synonym, often implying a bend that reverses the direction of travel on a slope. A road may consist of a series of switchbacks.
- Sharp bend/curve: A more general term.
Synonyms
- Sharp bend
- Hairpin turn
- Switchback
- U-turn (specifically for a 180-degree turn)
Antonyms
- Straightaway
- Gentle curve
- Long, sweeping bend
Related Phrases/Idioms
- To negotiate a hairpin bend: To successfully drive through one.
- The cyclist skillfully negotiated every hairpin bend on the descent.
Noun
- a U-shaped bend in a road