jugular

/'dʤʌgjulə/
Học thuật
Thân thiện
jugular

The boxer aimed for his opponent's jugular.

Definition
  1. Adjective:

    • Relating to the neck or throat: Specifically describes anatomical structures located in or pertaining to the neck region.
    • Relating to the jugular vein: Pertaining to the large veins in the neck that return blood from the head to the heart.
  2. Noun:

    • Jugular vein: One of the several large veins in the neck that carry blood from the head back to the heart.
    • A vital and vulnerable point: A metaphorical term for a critical target or weakness that, if attacked, ensures a decisive advantage or victory.
Usage Examples
  • Adjective:

    • The surgeon carefully avoided the jugular arteries during the procedure.
    • An injury to the jugular region can be life-threatening.
  • Noun:

    • The internal jugular is a major vein draining the brain.
    • In the debate, the candidate went straight for his opponent's jugular, attacking his weakest argument.
Advanced Usage
  • "To go for the jugular": To attack a critical weakness in a ruthless or decisive manner, aiming for a quick and total victory.
    • The lawyer didn't waste time with minor points; she immediately went for the jugular during cross-examination.
Variants and Related Words
  • Jugular vein (n): The specific anatomical term. Often used in the plural form "jugulars".
  • Jugular foramen (n): An opening in the skull through which the jugular vein passes.
Synonyms
  • For the anatomical sense: Cervical (adj), neck (adj/n).
  • For the metaphorical sense: Achilles' heel, weak spot, vulnerability, fatal flaw.
Related Idioms
  • "Go for the jugular": As described in Advanced Usage.
  • "Have someone by the jugular": To have complete control or dominance over someone by exploiting their critical weakness.
    • With this evidence, the prosecutor had the defendant by the jugular.
jugular

The boxer aimed for his opponent's jugular.

Adjective
  1. relating to or located in the region of the neck or throat
    • jugular vein
Noun
  1. a vital part that is vulnerable to attack
    • he always goes for the jugular
  2. veins in the neck that return blood from the head