swing-bridge
Definition
Noun: A type of movable bridge that rotates horizontally about a vertical pivot to open and allow water traffic to pass through.
Usage Examples
- (The bridge rotated to create a passage for the vessel.)
- (The bridge's rotation caused a temporary delay for road traffic.)
Advanced Usage
"to operate a swing-bridge": to control the mechanism that rotates the bridge.
- The harbour master carefully operated the swing-bridge to avoid any collisions. (He managed the bridge's movement to ensure safe passage.)
"swing-bridge mechanism": the engineering system that allows the bridge to pivot.
- The swing-bridge mechanism requires regular maintenance to function smoothly. (The rotating parts need periodic care.)
Variants and Related Words
Swing (adj): relating to the rotating or pivoting action.
- The swing span of the bridge is balanced on a central pier. (The rotating section is supported in the middle.)
Bridge (n): a structure carrying a road, path, or railway across a river, road, or other obstacle.
- This swing-bridge is one of the oldest bridges in the city. (It is both a rotating structure and a traditional crossing.)
Synonyms
- Pivot bridge: a bridge that rotates on a central axis (a synonym emphasizing the turning point).
- Turning bridge: a bridge that swings to one side (a less technical synonym).
Related Idioms
- "Cross that bridge when you come to it": to deal with a problem only when it arises (not directly about swing-bridges, but uses the word "bridge" in an idiomatic way).
- We don't need to worry about the traffic delay yet; we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. (We will handle the problem when it happens.)
Phrasal Verbs (with "swing")
Swing open: to move open by swinging.
- The swing-bridge swung open to allow the sailboat through. (The bridge rotated to an open position.)
Swing shut: to close by swinging.
- After the ship passed, the swing-bridge swung shut and traffic resumed. (The bridge rotated back to its closed position.)