Definition

Noun: 1. A type of hard, pale yellow cheese originating from Switzerland, characterized by having many holes (called "eyes"): Swiss cheese is a generic name for several related varieties of cheese, most notably Emmental, that are known for their distinctive nutty, mild flavor and their porous structure formed during fermentation.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • I made a sandwich with ham and Swiss cheese.
  • The recipe calls for one cup of grated Swiss cheese.
  • The characteristic holes in Swiss cheese are caused by carbon dioxide bubbles.

Advanced Usage

• Metaphorical Use for Something Full of Holes or Gaps: The term "Swiss cheese" is often used metaphorically to describe a system, plan, or argument that is full of flaws, omissions, or inconsistencies.
  • Their security protocol was like Swiss cheese—full of holes.
  • The report's logic was Swiss cheese; it didn't hold up under scrutiny.

Variants and Related Words

• Emmental (n): The original and most famous variety of Swiss cheese, named after the Emme valley in Switzerland. It has large, walnut-sized holes.
• Gruyère (n): Another famous Swiss (and French) cheese that is similar but typically has fewer, much smaller holes and a richer, slightly saltier flavor.

Synonyms

• Emmental (when referring to the specific variety)
• Emmentaler

Idioms and Common Phrases

• Like Swiss cheese: Used as a simile to describe something as being full of holes, gaps, or defects.
  • After the storm, the roof was like Swiss cheese.
  • His alibi was like Swiss cheese, and the police quickly found the contradictions.

Noun

1. hard pale yellow cheese with many holes from Switzerland