jig

/dʤig/
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jig

He uses a jig to hold the small metal part steady while drilling.

Definition
  1. Noun:

    • A lively folk dance: A jig is a type of traditional, energetic dance, often involving quick steps, kicks, and leaps, typically performed to music in a compound meter like 6/8 time.
    • A guiding tool: In manufacturing and machining, a jig is a device used to hold a workpiece securely and guide a tool (like a drill) to ensure precision and repeatability.
    • A fishing lure: A jig is a type of fishing lure with a weighted head and one or more hooks, designed to be moved up and down in the water to attract fish.
    • Music for the dance: Jig can also refer to the music composed for dancing a jig, often characterized by a lively, bouncy rhythm.
  2. Verb:

    • To dance a jig: To perform the lively, leaping dance known as a jig.
    • To move up and down quickly: To move or cause something to move with a quick, jerky, bouncing motion.
Usage Examples
  • Noun (Dance):
    • The traditional Irish band played a fast jig, and everyone started dancing.
    • He performed a lively jig at the cultural festival.
  • Noun (Tool):
    • The machinist used a drill jig to ensure all the holes were perfectly aligned.
  • Noun (Fishing):
    • He caught a large bass using a rubber-skirted jig.
  • Verb:
    • The children jigged around the room to the cheerful tune.
    • She jigged the key in the lock, trying to get it to turn.
Advanced Usage
  • "The jig is up" (Idiom): This phrase means that a deception or secret plan has been discovered and is now over.
    • When the teacher found the cheat sheet, the jig was up for the student.
Variants and Related Words
  • Jigger (Noun): Can refer to a small measuring tool for alcohol or a mechanical device. It is a related but distinct word.
  • Jigging (Verb, Gerund): The act of dancing a jig or using a jig in fishing or machining.
    • He was jigging for mackerel off the pier.
Synonyms
  • Noun (Dance): Reel, hornpipe.
  • Verb (Dance): Caper, prance, skip.
  • Verb (Move jerkily): Joggle, bounce.
Related Phrasal Verbs

(Note: "Jig" is not commonly used in phrasal verb constructions. Its verbal use is typically standalone.)

Related Idioms
  • "The jig is up": As described above, meaning a scheme or trick has been exposed.
    • Once the security camera footage was reviewed, the thief knew the jig was up.
jig

He uses a jig to hold the small metal part steady while drilling.

Noun
  1. any of various old rustic dances involving kicking and leaping
  2. a device that holds a piece of machine work and guides the tools operating on it
  3. a fisherman's lure with one or more hooks that is jerked up and down in the water
  4. music in three-four time for dancing a jig
Verb
  1. dance a quick dance with leaping and kicking motions