snag
/snæg/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun:
- An unforeseen obstacle or difficulty: A "snag" is a hidden or unexpected problem that causes a delay or complication.
- A sharp or jagged protuberance: A "snag" is a rough, sharp, or projecting part, often on a tree or branch, that can catch or tear things.
- A tear or hole caused by catching on something sharp: A "snag" can refer to the damage itself, such as a run in a stocking or a rip in fabric.
- A dead tree that is still standing: In forestry or ecology, a "snag" is a dead tree, often providing habitat for wildlife.
Verb:
- To catch or tear on a sharp projection: To "snag" something means to catch, tear, or damage it on a sharp or rough object.
- To obtain or acquire quickly or cleverly: To "snag" something means to get it, often with a sense of seizing an opportunity or getting a good deal.
- To hew or cut jaggedly: To "snag" can mean to cut or shape something in a rough, uneven way.
Examples of Usage
Noun:
- We hit a snag in our plans when the main speaker canceled. (An unforeseen obstacle)
- My sweater caught on a snag in the wooden fence. (A sharp protuberance)
- There's a snag in my tights from this morning. (A tear or hole)
- The forest ranger pointed out a snag that was home to woodpeckers. (A standing dead tree)
Verb:
- I snagged my jacket on a nail. (To catch/tear)
- She managed to snag the last ticket to the concert. (To obtain quickly)
- The lumber was snagged and rough. (To hew jaggedly)
Advanced Usage
"To hit a snag": To encounter an unexpected problem.
- The construction project hit a snag when they discovered unstable ground.
"Snag a seat/spot": To quickly secure a place.
- Arrive early if you want to snag a good seat.
Variants and Related Words
Snagged (adj): Caught or torn on a snag; obtained.
- He wore snagged jeans.
- She got snagged tickets.
Snaggy (adj): Full of snags; rough or jagged.
- The snaggy branches made it hard to pass.
Synonyms
- Noun (obstacle): Hitch, complication, setback, difficulty.
- Noun (protuberance): Jag, barb, projection.
- Verb (catch): Catch, tear, rip, hook.
- Verb (obtain): Grab, seize, secure, get.
Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)
(Note: "Snag" is not commonly used in phrasal verb constructions. Its verbal uses are typically transitive.)
Related Idioms
- "A snag in the works": An unexpected problem in a process or plan.
- Everything was going smoothly until we found a snag in the works with the software.
Noun
- an unforeseen obstacle
- an opening made forcibly as by pulling apart
- there was a rip in his pants
- she had snags in her stockings
- a dead tree that is still standing, usually in an undisturbed forest
- a snag can provide food and a habitat for insects and birds
- a sharp protuberance
Verb
- hew jaggedly
- get by acting quickly and smartly
- snag a bargain
- catch on a snag
- I snagged my stocking