signal-man
Definition
- Noun:
- A person who operates signals: "signal-man" refers to an individual responsible for controlling and managing railway signals to ensure safe train movement.
- A person who gives signals: In a broader sense, a "signal-man" can be any person who communicates information or instructions using signals, such as in military or maritime contexts.
Usage Examples
- (The person operating railway signals used a flag to give a warning.)
- (A person who gives signals communicated using flag-based codes.)
Advanced Usage
- "signal-man's box": a small building or booth where a signal-man works, typically near railway tracks.
- The signal-man sat in his box, monitoring the tracks through a window. (The booth where the signal-man performs duties.)
Variants and Related Words
Signal (n): a gesture, sound, or device used to convey information or instructions.
- The red light is a signal to stop. (A visual cue indicating a command.)
Signal (v): to convey information by means of a gesture, sound, or device.
- He signalled for the train to proceed. (He used a signal to give instruction.)
Signalwoman (n): a female signal-man.
- The signalwoman efficiently managed the busy junction. (A woman performing the role of a signal-man.)
Synonyms
- Flagman: a person who uses flags to give signals, especially on railways or in sports.
- Semaphore operator: a person who communicates using a system of visual signals with flags or arms.
Phrasal Verbs
- Signal in: to communicate one's arrival or presence using a signal.
- The ship signalled in by raising a white flag. (The vessel announced its presence via a flag signal.)
Related Idioms
Signal the start: to indicate the beginning of an event or process.
- The referee's whistle signalled the start of the match. (The sound marked the commencement.)
Cross signals: to misunderstand or have conflicting communications.
- They got their signals crossed and arrived at different stations. (They misunderstood each other's instructions.)