no-go area
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A dangerous or inaccessible area: A specific geographic zone that is considered too hazardous, often due to crime, conflict, or other dangers, for ordinary people to enter safely. 2. A prohibited area: A place where entry is officially or effectively forbidden, either by authorities or by the control of a hostile group.
Usage
The term "no-go area" is used to describe a place that is effectively off-limits. It implies a significant level of risk or an absolute ban. * It is commonly used in news reports and political analysis. * It can refer to urban neighborhoods controlled by gangs, military conflict zones, or areas with severe environmental hazards.
Examples
- Journalistic Context:
- After the riots, several districts in the city became no-go areas for police at night.
- The report described the region along the border as a no-go area for aid workers.
- General Context:
- That abandoned factory is a no-go area; the structure is unstable and it's full of asbestos.
- For many residents, the park after dark is considered a no-go area.
Advanced Usage
- Figurative Use: The term can be used metaphorically to describe a subject or activity that is considered too sensitive, difficult, or taboo to address.
- Discussing salary details is often a no-go area in polite conversation.
- For the old regime, any criticism of the leader was a complete no-go area.
Variants and Related Words
- No-go zone: A direct synonym, often used interchangeably with "no-go area."
- Off-limits: An adjective phrase meaning not to be entered or used. ()
- Restricted area: A more formal term, often used for zones with official access controls (e.g., military bases, laboratories).
Synonyms
- Forbidden zone
- Exclusion zone
- Danger zone
- Prohibited area
Antonyms
- Safe haven
- Public space
- Accessible area
- Open zone
Related Idioms/Phrases
- Out of bounds: Primarily used in sports or institutional contexts to mean an area where play is not allowed or where someone is not permitted to go. It can be a less severe synonym in some contexts.
- The student dormitories were out of bounds for visitors after 10 PM.
Noun
- an area that is dangerous or impossible to enter or to which entry is forbidden