slip-knot

A sailor ties a slip-knot to secure the rope.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A knot that can be undone by pulling one end: A "slip-knot" is a type of knot designed to tighten or loosen easily by sliding along the rope or cord. It is often used in situations where a quick release is needed.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • He tied a slip-knot in the rope to secure the bundle temporarily. (A knot that can be undone by pulling one end.)
  • The scout demonstrated how to make a slip-knot for the tent line. (A practical knot for easy adjustment.)

Advanced Usage

• "to tie a slip-knot": to create a knot that can be released quickly.

  • The sailor tied a slip-knot to fasten the boat to the dock. (The knot allowed for rapid unfastening.)

• "to undo a slip-knot": to release the knot by pulling the free end.

  • She easily undid the slip-knot and freed the rope. (The knot came apart with a simple pull.)

Variants and Related Words

• Slip (v): to move smoothly or easily; to slide.

  • The rope slipped through his hands. (The rope moved smoothly.)

• Knot (n): a fastening made by tying together pieces of string, rope, or cord.

  • He learned how to tie a basic knot. (A simple fastening.)

Synonyms

• Running knot: a knot that slides along the rope, often used as a synonym for slip-knot.
• Noose: a type of slip-knot that forms a loop that tightens under pressure.

Phrasal Verbs

• Slip off: to remove something easily or quickly.
  • He slipped off the rope by pulling the slip-knot. (He removed the rope by undoing the knot.)

Related Idioms

• Slip through one's fingers: to escape or be lost, often due to carelessness.

  • The opportunity slipped through his fingers like a slip-knot. (The chance was lost easily.)

• Cut the knot: to solve a problem in a direct or drastic way, often by bypassing complexity.

  • He cut the knot by using a slip-knot to secure the load. (He used a simple, effective method.)