swaddling-clothes

A newborn baby sleeps peacefully in soft swaddling-clothes.

Definition

1. Noun (plural only):
   • Clothing for infants: "swaddling-clothes" refers to strips of cloth or a blanket used to wrap a baby tightly to restrict movement and provide warmth and security.
   • A period of infancy: By extension, "swaddling-clothes" can metaphorically refer to the early, dependent stage of life or development.
   • Restrictions on freedom: Figuratively, "swaddling-clothes" denotes limitations or constraints imposed on thought or action, especially in a formative or early context.

Usage Examples

• Literal:

  • The newborn was wrapped in soft swaddling-clothes to keep her calm. (The baby was tightly bound in cloth for comfort.)
  • In many cultures, swaddling-clothes are used for the first few weeks of life. (Traditional infant care involves binding the baby.)

• Metaphorical:

  • The country is still in its swaddling-clothes, struggling to establish a stable government. (The country is in an early, undeveloped stage.)
  • These outdated laws act as swaddling-clothes on free speech. (The laws restrict independent thought.)

Advanced Usage

• "in swaddling-clothes": in an early, immature, or dependent state.

  • The project is still in its swaddling-clothes and needs careful guidance. (The project is at a beginning stage.)

• "to cast off swaddling-clothes": to become independent or break free from constraints.

  • The young artist cast off her swaddling-clothes and developed her own style. (She left behind early influences and became original.)

Variants and Related Words

• Swaddle (verb): to wrap a baby tightly in cloth.

  • She learned how to swaddle her newborn correctly. (To bind the baby securely.)

• Swaddling (noun/adj): the act or material used for wrapping.

  • The nurse demonstrated proper swaddling technique. (The method of wrapping.)

Synonyms

• Baby clothes: garments for infants.
• Wrapping: material used to cover or enclose.
• Infancy: the early period of life or development.
• Restraints: limitations on freedom.

Related Idioms

• "Bound in swaddling-clothes": limited or restricted, especially in thought.
  • His ideas were bound in swaddling-clothes by traditional education. (His thinking was constrained by conventional training.)