spin the plate
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A party game or children's activity where a round object, such as a plate, is spun on its edge. While it is spinning, a player's name is called out. That player must rush to catch the object before it falls and stops spinning, or else face a penalty or forfeit.
Usage
This term refers specifically to the name of the game itself. * The children decided to play spin the plate at the birthday party. * Spin the plate was a popular party game in the mid-20th century.
Advanced Usage
The phrase can be used metaphorically to describe a situation where someone must quickly attend to a task or responsibility to prevent a failure, similar to catching the plate before it falls. * Managing these three urgent projects feels like a constant game of spin the plate.
Variants and Related Words
- Spinning the plate: The act of playing the game.
- Spinning the plate requires good reflexes.
- Plate spinning: This variant more commonly refers to the literal circus or variety act where a performer keeps multiple plates spinning on poles. It is also a common metaphor for multitasking or juggling many responsibilities.
- Juggling work and family life is like professional plate spinning.
Synonyms
- Party game
- Children's game
- Catching game
Related Idioms
- To have a lot of plates spinning: To be managing many things at once. (Note: This idiom derives from the "plate spinning" circus act, not directly from the "spin the plate" game, but they share a conceptual origin.)
- The new manager has a lot of plates spinning this quarter.
Noun
- a game in which something round (as a plate) is spun on edge and the name of a player is called; the named player must catch the spinning object before it falls or pay a forfeit