Noun
/muːvəbəl swɪŋ brɪdʒ/
A movable-swing bridge is a type of bridge that can pivot around a central point to allow for the passage of boats and ships. This design enables the bridge to open without needing to be relocated, making it particularly useful in areas with navigable waters alongside vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
In the English language, the term is more often used in specialized contexts related to engineering, transportation, and architecture. Its frequency of use is moderate, typically encountered in technical literature, urban planning documents, and discussions regarding infrastructure. While the term can be found in written contexts, it is less commonly used in colloquial spoken language.
The city council approved the construction of a movable-swing bridge to support maritime traffic.
El concejo municipal aprobó la construcción de un puente basculante para apoyar el tráfico marítimo.
Engineers are studying the mechanics of a movable-swing bridge to ensure it can withstand strong winds.
Los ingenieros están estudiando la mecánica de un puente basculante para garantizar que pueda soportar vientos fuertes.
During the summer months, the movable-swing bridge remains open for longer periods to accommodate larger vessels.
Durante los meses de verano, el puente basculante permanece abierto por períodos más largos para acomodar embarcaciones más grandes.
The term "movable-swing bridge" may not be commonly featured in idiomatic expressions, but bridges are often used metaphorically in English to indicate connections or transitions. Below are some expressions involving "bridge."
Burning bridges: It means to destroy relationships or connections that are no longer needed.
He was worried about burning bridges with his former employer.
Estaba preocupado por quemar puentes con su antiguo empleador.
Cross that bridge when we come to it: This refers to dealing with something when it arises rather than worrying beforehand.
Let's not worry about the money; we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.
No nos preocupemos por el dinero; cruzaremos ese puente cuando lleguemos a él.
Building bridges: This means to create connections between different people, groups, or ideas.
Her initiative is all about building bridges between the community and the local government.
Su iniciativa se trata de crear puentes entre la comunidad y el gobierno local.
A bridge too far: This expression refers to an action that is considered too ambitious or unlikely to succeed.
The plans for the new shopping center were a bridge too far for the small town.
Los planes para el nuevo centro comercial eran un puente demasiado lejano para el pequeño pueblo.
The term "movable-swing bridge" is a compound of three words:
- Movable: From Middle English "movable," derived from Old French "movable," from Latin "movabilis," meaning "able to move."
- Swing: Comes from Old English "swingan," meaning "to swing, to move out and back."
- Bridge: Traces its origin back to Old English "brycg," related to the concept of connecting two areas over an obstacle.
Synonyms: rotating bridge, pivot bridge, swing span bridge.
Antonyms: fixed bridge, static bridge.
This comprehensive overview provides a detailed look at the term "movable-swing bridge," its usage, and related expressions in the English language.