Basic Details
Word: Rail
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A long, narrow piece of metal or wood that is used as a support or a barrier; often found on railways.
Synonyms: Bar, Railing, Track
Antonyms: N/A
Idioms and Phrases
- Off the rails: To become chaotic or to lose control. Example: "His behaviour went off the rails after he heard the bad news."
- Rail against: To complain or protest strongly about something. Example: "She decided to rail against the unfair treatment she received at school."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The train ran smoothly on the sturdy rail that was laid down by workers.
Example 2: The children held onto the rail as they climbed the stairs at the playground.
Example 3: Guards stood at the rail, watching the crowd gather for the event.
Fun Fact
The word "rail" can be traced back to the Old French word "raille," which means "a strap" or "a bar." This shows how long humans have used rails for support and safety!
Famous Quote
"You cant change the direction of the wind, but you can adjust your sails to always reach your destination." Jimmy Dean. This relates to the concept of 'rails' as they guide movement in a desired direction.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "rail" mean?
a) A type of bird
b) A long, narrow piece of metal or wood
c) A game played outdoors
d) A kind of fruit
Answer: b) A long, narrow piece of metal or wood
2. Which of these is a synonym of "rail"?
a) Railing
b) Table
c) Wall
d) Chair
Answer: a) Railing
3. Which sentence uses "rail" correctly?
a) The cat jumped off the rail into the water.
b) She likes to eat rail for breakfast.
c) The rail was covered in beautiful flowers.
d) He read the news on the rail.
Answer: a) The cat jumped off the rail into the water.
4. Which idiom means to complain or protest strongly?
a) Off the rails
b) Rail against
c) On the right track
d) Stay on track
Answer: b) Rail against
5. What is the opposite of "rail"?
a) N/A
b) Fence
c) Tree
d) Pathway
Answer: a) N/A
