Basic Details
Word: Jailbird
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A person who has been in prison or is often in trouble with the law.
Synonyms: Convict, prisoner, felon
Antonyms: Law-abiding citizen, free person
Idioms and Phrases
- Birds of a feather flock together: This phrase means that people who are similar in character often associate with one another. Example: "You can tell they are jailbirds; they are always together, as birds of a feather flock together."
- Free as a bird: Used to describe someone who is free and unencumbered, especially after a period of confinement. Example: "After being released from prison, he felt free as a bird and ready to start fresh."
Usage Examples
Example 1: Despite his past as a jailbird, he worked hard to turn his life around and help others.
Example 2: The local news reported on a jailbird who had escaped from custody last week.
Example 3: She was known as a jailbird in her community, but she spent years trying to rebuild her reputation.
Fun Fact
The term "jailbird" comes from the combination of two words: "jail," which means a building for holding prisoners, and "bird," which is a slang term for person, particularly used among criminals and prisoners.
Famous Quote
"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." - Franklin D. Roosevelt (This quote relates to overcoming adversity, similar to how individuals can rise above their past mistakes like a jailbird striving for redemption.)
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "jailbird" mean?
a) A type of bird
b) A person who has been in prison
c) A kind of tree
d) A mountain
Answer: b) A person who has been in prison
2. Which of these is a synonym of "jailbird"?
a) Teacher
b) Convict
c) Doctor
d) Engineer
Answer: b) Convict
3. Which sentence uses "jailbird" correctly?
a) The jailbird painted a beautiful picture.
b) He was a jailbird who had turned his life around.
c) The jailbird danced at the party.
d) The jailbird flew over the fence.
Answer: b) He was a jailbird who had turned his life around.
4. Which idiom means the same as "jailbird" in a certain context?
a) Free as a bird
b) Birds of a feather flock together
c) As busy as a bee
d) A fish out of water
Answer: b) Birds of a feather flock together
5. What is the opposite of "jailbird"?
a) Cow
b) Law-abiding citizen
c) Elephant
d) Bird
Answer: b) Law-abiding citizen
