midstream
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- The middle part of a stream or river: The central section of a flowing body of water, between the upstream and downstream sections.
- A point or period in the middle of an ongoing process or activity: A figurative use indicating the middle stage of any continuous action or event.
Usage Examples
Noun (Literal):
- The boat stalled in the midstream, caught by the strong current.
- They decided to take water samples from the midstream of the river for their study.
Noun (Figurative):
- The project changed direction in midstream, causing some confusion.
- It's difficult to change the rules in midstream; we should have decided earlier.
Advanced Usage
"to be caught in midstream": To be interrupted or halted in the middle of an action.
- Her question caught me in midstream, and I forgot what I was saying.
"to change horses in midstream": To make a major change in plans or leadership during an ongoing process. (This is an idiom; see related section).
- The board's decision to replace the CEO was seen as changing horses in midstream.
Variants and Related Words
- Upstream (adverb/adjective): In or toward the source of a stream or river.
- The factory is located upstream from the city.
- Downstream (adverb/adjective): In or toward the direction in which a stream or river flows.
- Pollution from the plant affects villages downstream.
Synonyms
- Middle course: The central part of a river's path.
- Midpoint: A point in the middle of something (more general, not specific to streams).
Related Phrases
- In midstream: During the course of an activity.
- The funding was cut while the research was in midstream.
Related Idioms
- "Don't change horses in midstream": A proverb advising against altering your plan or switching support in the middle of a critical undertaking.
- I know you're frustrated, but the election is next week. Don't change horses in midstream.
Noun
- the middle of a stream