pole-vault

An athlete clears the bar during a pole-vault competition.

Definition

1. Noun (also pole vault):

   • A field event in athletics in which an athlete uses a long, flexible pole to jump over a high bar, typically made of fiberglass or carbon fiber. The goal is to clear the bar without knocking it off.

2. Verb (also pole-vault):

   • To perform the act of jumping over a high bar using a pole in the sport of pole vaulting.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • She won a gold medal in the pole-vault at the Olympics. (The event itself.)
  • The pole-vault requires great strength and technique. (The discipline as a whole.)

• Verb:

  • He pole-vaulted over the bar at 6.0 meters. (The action of performing the jump.)
  • They are training to pole-vault competitively. (Engaging in the sport.)

Advanced Usage

• "to set a pole-vault record": to achieve the highest jump in a competition or history.

  • The athlete set a new world record in the pole-vault. (Achieved the highest official jump.)

• "pole-vault technique": the specific methods of gripping the pole, running, planting, and clearing the bar.

  • Coaches focus on improving pole-vault technique to prevent injuries. (The specialized skills involved.)

Variants and Related Words

• Pole vaulter (n): a person who performs pole-vaulting.

  • The pole vaulter cleared 5.8 meters easily. (The athlete specializing in this event.)

• Pole vaulting (n): the sport or activity of pole-vaulting.

  • Pole vaulting is one of the most technical field events. (The activity as a whole.)

Synonyms

• Vault: a jump or leap, especially with the aid of a pole or hands.

  • She performed a vault over the fence. (A similar but less specific action.)

• Clear: to jump over something successfully.

  • He cleared the bar at 5.5 meters. (Used in pole-vault context.)

Phrasal Verbs

• Vault over: to jump over something using a pole or one's hands.

  • He vaulted over the obstacle with ease. (Jumped over using a pole or momentum.)

• Clear off: to remove or jump away from something (less common).

  • She cleared off the bar cleanly. (Successfully jumped over without touching.)

Related Idioms

• "To pole-vault into something": to make a sudden or dramatic leap into a new situation or role.

  • He pole-vaulted into the CEO position after the merger. (Advanced rapidly or unexpectedly.)

• "Raise the bar": to set a higher standard or goal, often linked to pole-vaulting's literal bar.

  • Her performance raised the bar for future competitors. (Set a new level of excellence.)