Noun
/bɜːrdlaɪm/
Birdlime refers to a sticky substance used to capture birds by coating branches or surfaces where birds are expected to land. It can also refer to a type of substance, often made from the bark of the holly tree, traditionally used in bird trapping.
In modern usage, "birdlime" is less common and typically appears in more specialized contexts such as ornithology, conservation efforts, or historical texts about trapping methods. The usage frequency is considerably low in everyday conversations, making it more prevalent in written contexts, particularly in scientific or nature-related literature.
The ornithologist explained how birdlime could be used for bird capturing in a humane way.
Летчик-орнитолог объяснил, как можно использовать бердли́м для ловли птиц гуманным способом.
In the past, many cultures relied on birdlime to catch small birds for food.
В прошлом многие культуры полагались на бердли́м, чтобы ловить мелких птиц для пищи.
The old forgotten traps still had traces of birdlime on them, a reminder of the techniques used long ago.
Старые забытые ловушки все еще имели следы бердли́м на себе, напоминая о техниках, использовавшихся давно.
While "birdlime" is not commonly associated with idiomatic expressions, themes of trapping or capturing can appear in metaphorical language.
To fall into a birdlime trap: signifies becoming ensnared in a situation that is difficult to escape from.
He thought he could handle the workload, but he fell into a birdlime trap of his own making.
Он думал, что сможет справиться с работой, но попал в ловушку бердли́м, которую сам же и создал.
To lure with birdlime: refers to using deceptive methods to attract or ensnare someone.
The salesman tried to lure me with birdlime offers that seemed too good to be true.
Продавец попытался заманить меня предложениями с бердли́м, которые казались слишком хорошими, чтобы быть правдой.
Caught in a birdlime: means being unable to escape from a sticky situation.
After making those poor investments, he felt caught in a birdlime of debt.
После тех неудачных инвестиций он чувствовал себя пойманным в бердли́м долгов.
The word "birdlime" is derived from Middle English "berdlyme," which combines "bird" and "lime." The term "lime" in this context comes from the Old English "lim," referring to a sticky substance. Historically, lime was made from the inner bark of specific trees, particularly the holly, which was processed to create the sticky traps.
In summary, "birdlime" is a niche term reflecting historical practices in bird trapping, with low frequency in modern vernacular but significant presence in specialized literature.