skittle-alley
Definition
- Noun:
- A lane or alley used for playing skittles: "skittle-alley" refers to a long, narrow lane or enclosed area where the game of skittles is played, similar to a bowling alley but specifically designed for the traditional game of skittles.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The pub had a skittle-alley in the back room, where locals gathered every Friday night. (A designated lane for playing skittles.)
- He spent his childhood afternoons at the old skittle-alley, learning to knock down the wooden pins. (A specific place for the game.)
Advanced Usage
"to set up a skittle-alley": to arrange or prepare the lane for the game of skittles.
- The landlord helped set up the skittle-alley before the tournament. (He arranged the pins and lane for play.)
"skittle-alley as a social venue": a skittle-alley often functions as a communal gathering spot, especially in British pubs.
- The skittle-alley was more than just a game area; it was the heart of the village social life. (The alley served as a central meeting point.)
Variants and Related Words
Skittle (n): a pin used in the game of skittles; also the game itself.
- He knocked down all nine skittles with one throw. (The wooden pins in the game.)
Skittle-ground (n): an alternative term for skittle-alley, referring to the playing area.
- The skittle-ground was freshly oiled for the match. (The playing surface.)
Synonyms
- Bowling alley: a similar lane for bowling, though bowling uses a ball and larger pins.
- Ninepin alley: a specific term for a lane used for the game of ninepins, a variant of skittles.
Phrasal Verbs
- (No common phrasal verbs specific to "skittle-alley"; the word is primarily a noun.)
Related Idioms
- "To play skittles": to engage in the game of skittles; also used metaphorically to mean to be carefree or to waste time.
- He was playing skittles instead of finishing his homework. (He was wasting time on a trivial activity.)