Basic Details
Word: Bail
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: An amount of money paid to allow someone to be released from prison while they wait for their trial.
Synonyms: Bond, security
Antonyms: Detention, imprisonment
Idioms and Phrases
- Bail out: To help someone out of a difficult situation, often by providing financial assistance. Example: "He had to bail out his friend by lending him some money for the rent."
- Catch someone by the bail: To unexpectedly take someone by surprise or catch them in a difficult position. Example: "The sudden change in plans caught me by the bail, and I had to think on my feet."
Usage Examples
Example 1: After being arrested, she sought a lawyer to help her arrange for bail so she could return home.
Example 2: The judge set the bail amount high, making it difficult for the accused to organise the funds.
Example 3: Many families struggle to pay bail for their loved ones, which can keep them in jail even if they are not guilty.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the concept of bail dates back to ancient Babylon? The Code of Hammurabi, one of the oldest sets of laws, included provisions for bail allowing individuals to secure their release while awaiting trial.
Famous Quote
"Justice delayed is justice denied." - William E. Gladstone. This highlights the importance of allowing individuals to secure bail and not remain in jail while their cases are pending.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "bail" mean?
a) A type of fruit
b) An amount of money for release from prison
c) A kind of food
d) A tool for fishing
Answer: b) An amount of money for release from prison
2. Which of these is a synonym of "bail"?
a) Detention
b) Security
c) Imprisonment
d) Escape
Answer: b) Security
3. What is the opposite of "bail"?
a) Freedom
b) Release
c) Detention
d) Licence
Answer: c) Detention
4. Which sentence uses "bail" correctly?
a) He decided to bail the water from the boat after it started to leak.
b) She was granted bail and was able to leave the prison.
c) They would bail their complaints about the service.
d) The cat jumped off the bail and ran away.
Answer: b) She was granted bail and was able to leave the prison.
5. Which idiom means to help someone out of a difficult situation?
a) Bail out
b) Bailing the boat
c) Go for a bail
d) Bail on someone
Answer: a) Bail out
