snow-slip

snow-slip

A snow-slip blocks the mountain road.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A mass of snow that slides down a mountain slope: "snow-slip" refers to a sudden, often destructive movement of snow down a steep incline, similar to an avalanche but typically smaller in scale or less violent. It is a compound noun formed from "snow" and "slip," emphasizing the sliding or slipping motion of the snow.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • The hikers were warned about the risk of a snow-slip on the eastern face of the mountain. (A mass of snow sliding down the slope.)
    • A small snow-slip blocked the road, delaying traffic for hours. (A sliding snow mass causing an obstruction.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to trigger a snow-slip": to cause a snow-slip to occur, often by human activity or natural forces.

    • The skier's movement triggered a dangerous snow-slip. (The skier caused the snow to slide.)

  • "snow-slip zone": an area where snow-slips are likely to happen.

    • The trail passed through a snow-slip zone, so climbers had to be cautious. (A region prone to sliding snow.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Snow-slide (n): an alternative term for "snow-slip," often used interchangeably.

    • The snow-slide swept away several trees. (A sliding mass of snow.)

  • Avalanche (n): a larger, more powerful snow-slip that can carry debris and cause widespread damage.

    • An avalanche buried the village below the peak. (A massive snow-slip.)
Synonyms
  • Avalanche: a large, fast-moving mass of snow (often more destructive).
  • Landslide: a similar sliding movement of earth or rock, not snow.
  • Slip: a general term for a sliding movement, but "snow-slip" specifies the material.
Phrasal Verbs
  • Slip off: to slide or fall from a surface, often used for snow.
    • The snow slipped off the roof in a sudden snow-slip. (The snow slid down.)
Related Idioms

  • "A slip of the tongue": an unintentional mistake in speaking (unrelated to snow, but uses the word "slip").

    • It was a slip of the tongue, not a snow-slip. (A verbal error, not a snow slide.)

  • "Let slip": to accidentally reveal information.

    • He let slip the news about the snow-slip. (He accidentally mentioned the event.)

Note: The term "snow-slip" is less common than "avalanche" and is often used in technical or regional contexts to describe smaller, localized snow slides.