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