The phrase "cobble together" means to create something hastily with whatever is available. The spelling of this word can be confusing due to the the unusual combination of letters. The word "cobble" is pronounced /ˈkɒbl/, which rhymes with "bobble." The word "together" is pronounced /təˈɡɛðə/, which rhymes with "weather". When combined, the phrase is pronounced /ˈkɒbl təˈɡɛðə/. Despite the unusual spelling, "cobble together" is a common expression that is often used to describe a makeshift solution or a quick fix.
Cobble together is a phrasal verb that refers to the act of making or creating something quickly or improvisationally, often by using various available materials or resources. It involves the process of combining different elements or parts to form a functional whole, even if the result is not necessarily perfect or refined.
The term "cobble" originally stems from the word "cobblers," referring to shoemakers who would repair worn-out shoes using available scraps of leather. By extension, "cobble together" implies a similar process of patching or piecing things together, usually in a hasty or makeshift manner.
In a broader sense, cobble together can also describe the act of gathering or collecting disparate ideas, information, or opinions, and attempting to synthesize them into a coherent whole. It is often used in situations where time, resources, or options are limited, leading to a less polished or ideal outcome.
The phrase is commonly employed in informal or colloquial contexts to express creating something out of limited or mismatched components. It may be utilized in various settings, such as DIY projects, problem-solving, or even collaborative work activities, where individuals collaborate to collectively cobble together a solution.
Overall, "cobble together" denotes the process of combining diverse or incomplete elements to create or resolve something, specifically with a sense of urgency, resourcefulness, and practicality, despite any potential limitations or imperfections.
The word "cobble together" dates back to the early 16th century. "Cobble" derives from the Middle English word "coblen", which means "to patch up", or "to put together clumsily". The term originally referred to the act of repairing or mending something using rough, irregular stones (called cobbles).
Over time, the expression "cobble together" evolved figuratively to mean the act of assembling or creating something hastily or in a makeshift manner, much like the way old streets used to be patched with cobbles. It conveys the notion of combining various elements, often in an ad hoc or unrefined way, to form a coherent whole.