swan-dive

A swimmer performs a graceful swan-dive from the starting block.

Definition

1. Noun:

   • A type of dive: "swan-dive" refers to a specific diving technique where the diver arches their back, extends their arms out to the sides (like a swan's wings), and keeps their legs straight before entering the water headfirst. It is also known as a "swallow dive" in some contexts.

2. Verb:

   • To perform a swan-dive: The act of executing this particular dive, often used figuratively to describe a graceful or dramatic descent or fall.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • She executed a perfect swan-dive from the high board, earning a high score from the judges. (The dive was performed with arms extended and back arched.)
  • The competitive diver practiced her swan-dive repeatedly to improve her form. (The specific dive technique was rehearsed.)

• Verb:

  • He swan-dived into the pool with elegance and precision. (He performed the dive.)
  • The actor swan-dived off the stage during the dramatic finale. (He descended in a dramatic, graceful manner.)

Advanced Usage

• "to do a swan-dive": to perform the dive.

  • The gymnast did a swan-dive into the foam pit for practice. (She executed the dive into a safe landing area.)

• Figurative use: to describe a sudden, dramatic, or graceful fall or decline.

  • The stock market swan-dived after the announcement of the crisis. (The market fell sharply and dramatically.)

Variants and Related Words

• Swan dive (n): the same as "swan-dive," often written as two separate words.

  • The diver attempted a swan dive from the cliff. (The dive was performed from a high natural platform.)

• Swallow dive (n): a synonym for "swan-dive," especially in British English.

  • The swimmer performed a swallow dive into the lake. (The dive was executed with arms spread like a swallow's wings.)

Synonyms

• Dive: a plunge into water, especially headfirst.
• Plunge: a sudden, steep fall or drop.

Phrasal Verbs

• Dive in: to jump into water, often with enthusiasm.

  • She dived in after completing her swan-dive. (She entered the water after the dive.)

• Fall into: to descend or drop into something, often used figuratively.

  • The plane seemed to fall into a swan-dive before recovering. (The aircraft descended steeply.)

Related Idioms

• Take the plunge: to commit to a risky or decisive action.

  • After months of training, she took the plunge and performed her first swan-dive. (She committed to the difficult dive.)

• Go off the deep end: to become very emotional or act irrationally, sometimes linked to diving imagery.

  • He went off the deep end and swan-dived into the icy river. (He acted impulsively and dramatically.)