rear-view mirror

The driver checks the rear-view mirror before changing lanes.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A mirror in a vehicle: "rear-view mirror" refers to a mirror positioned inside a vehicle (typically near the windshield) that allows the driver to see the area behind the vehicle without turning around. It is a standard safety feature in cars, trucks, and other motor vehicles.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Before changing lanes, always check your rear-view mirror to see if any cars are approaching from behind. (Using the mirror to monitor traffic behind you.)
  • The rear-view mirror was adjusted to reduce glare from headlights at night. (The mirror's position or feature was modified for comfort or visibility.)

Advanced Usage

• "to glance in the rear-view mirror": to briefly look at the rear-view mirror to check behind the vehicle.

  • She glanced in the rear-view mirror before reversing out of the parking space. (She quickly looked at the mirror to ensure the path was clear.)

• "rear-view mirror as a metaphor": used figuratively to refer to looking back at past events or history.

  • In his memoir, he kept his eyes on the rear-view mirror of his childhood. (He focused on past experiences while writing about his life.)

Variants and Related Words

• Rear-view mirror (compound noun): the standard term; no common variants, but sometimes shortened informally to "rear mirror" in spoken English.

  • He adjusted the rear mirror to see the road behind. (Informal use of "rear mirror" for "rear-view mirror.")

• Side mirror (n): a mirror on the exterior of the vehicle for viewing the side and rear areas.

  • Check your side mirrors along with the rear-view mirror for complete visibility. (A related but distinct type of mirror.)

Synonyms

• Rearview mirror: an alternative spelling (less common) of "rear-view mirror."
• Driver's mirror: a general term for mirrors used by the driver, though not specific to the rear-view mirror.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

• "In the rear-view mirror" (idiom): referring to something that is in the past or no longer relevant.

  • That argument is in the rear-view mirror now; let's move forward. (The argument is over and should be forgotten.)

• "To keep an eye on the rear-view mirror" (idiom): to remain aware of past events or potential problems from behind.

  • As a manager, you must keep an eye on the rear-view mirror to learn from past mistakes. (To stay alert to history or feedback.)