Meaning of "jackstraw" in English

The term "jackstraw" originally refers to a game played with pieces of straw or thin sticks. These pieces are scattered in a heap, and players attempt to remove them one by one without disturbing the others. Metaphorically, "jackstraw" can describe a person or object that is easily toppled or lacks stability. It can also refer to a flimsy or unsubstantial thing. Historically, the word has roots in being a part of the idiomatic phrase "as weak as a jackstraw."

Meaning of "jackstraw" in French

In French, "jackstraw" shares a similar meaning to its English counterpart. It describes a game called "Mikado" or "les Mikado," where players remove sticks from a pile without disturbing others. The term is also used metaphorically to refer to something or someone weak, unstable, or lacking substance. Its use in French is context-dependent, as it can also symbolize triviality or insignificance.

Pronunciation of "jackstraw" in English

Phonetic Transcription: /ˈdʒækˌstrɔː/

Pronunciation Variations: Typically, "jackstraw" is pronounced consistently across different English-speaking regions, though slight variations in accent may affect the vowel sound in the second syllable.

Pronunciation of "jackstraw" in French

Phonetic Transcription: /ʒak.stʁo/

Pronunciation Variations: In French, the pronunciation of "jackstraw" may vary slightly between regions, particularly in vowel sounds, but generally remains consistent.

Sentence examples in English and translation to French

  1. He played jackstraws on a rainy afternoon. (Il jouait aux mikados un après-midi pluvieux.)
  2. The old barn looked like a jackstraw, ready to collapse. (La vieille grange ressemblait à un mikado, prête à s'effondrer.)
  3. His argument fell apart like a jackstraw. (Son argument s'est effondré comme un château de cartes.)
  4. Children enjoy the challenge of jackstraws. (Les enfants aiment le défi des mikados.)
  5. The tower of blocks was as unstable as a jackstraw. (La tour de blocs était aussi instable qu'un mikado.)
  6. She handled the fragile item like a jackstraw. (Elle manipulait l'objet fragile comme un mikado.)
  7. They spent hours playing jackstraws by the fire. (Ils ont passé des heures à jouer aux mikados près du feu.)
  8. His confidence crumbled like a jackstraw under pressure. (Sa confiance s'est écroulée comme un château de cartes sous la pression.)
  9. The flimsy shelter was no more than a jackstraw. (L'abri précaire n'était guère plus qu'un mikado.)
  10. Picking up the jackstraws required skill and patience. (Ramasser les mikados demandait habileté et patience.)

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "jackstraw" in English

Synonyms: stick, pickup sticks, splinter, timber, spillikin, slender rod, sliver, twig, straw, stave.

Antonyms: -

Similar Words: toy, game, challenge, balance, structure, flimsy, fragile, weak, delicate, unstable.

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "jackstraw" in French

Synonyms: mikado, bâtonnet, brindille, tige, épingle, éclat, baguette, pic, paille, morceau.

Antonyms: -

Similar Words: jeu, défi, structure, équilibre, fragile, précaire, délicat, instable, léger, faible.

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