skittle-pin

A child sets up a skittle-pin for a game in the yard.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A "skittle-pin" is a pin used in the game of skittles, a traditional European game similar to bowling. It is a cylindrical object that players aim to knock down by rolling a ball or throwing a projectile.

Usage Examples

• (A single pin placed in position for the game.)
• (All pins were toppled in a single turn.)

Advanced Usage

• "to set up the skittle-pin": to arrange the pin in its starting position.

  • Before each turn, the player must carefully set up the skittle-pin. (Place the pin upright.)

• "skittle-pin alley": the lane or area where skittles is played.

  • The skittle-pin alley was polished to ensure a smooth roll. (The playing surface for skittles.)

Variants and Related Words

• Skittle (n): a single pin used in the game of skittles; also the game itself.

  • He bought a set of skittles for the pub. (A collection of pins for the game.)

• Skittles (n, plural): the game played with skittle-pins.

  • They played skittles every Friday evening. (The game involving pins.)

Synonyms

• Pin: a general term for a cylindrical object used in games like bowling or skittles.
• Tenpin: a similar pin used in ten-pin bowling, though skittle-pins are typically shorter and thicker.

Related Idioms

• "Not all beer and skittles": an idiom meaning that life is not just fun and pleasure; used to express that something is not purely enjoyable.

  • Running a business is not all beer and skittles; it requires hard work. (Life is not all fun and games.)

• "Knock over like a skittle-pin": to easily defeat or overcome someone or something.

  • The champion knocked over his opponents like skittle-pins. (He defeated them effortlessly.)