LIFELINE Meaning and
Definition
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Lifeline is a noun that refers to a rope or line used to save or rescue someone who is in danger or emergency situations, particularly in situations involving water or heights. It is an essential safety measure employed in activities like rock climbing, high-rise construction, sailing, and other high-risk environments.
Figuratively, lifeline can also refer to a vital source of support or assistance that provides help or improvement to a person or group in distress or difficulty. This figurative usage implies that the lifeline is essential for maintaining their well-being or survival. In this sense, it is a metaphorical representation of something that ensures the continuation or sustenance of life.
Moreover, lifeline can also refer to a communication link, typically in the form of a telephone line, that connects individuals in remote or isolated locations, allowing them to maintain contact with others. This connection enables individuals to seek assistance, share information, or provide crucial updates during emergencies or challenging situations.
Additionally, lifeline may also be used to indicate a vital or significant element within a particular context or system. It highlights something that plays a crucial role in supporting or preserving the overall function or existence of the entity it is associated with.
Overall, lifeline is a versatile term that can encompass physical safety measures, metaphorical sources of support, communication links, and vital components within systems, all of which contribute to the preservation, well-being, or improvement of individuals or entities in varying circumstances.
Top Common Misspellings for LIFELINE *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for LIFELINE
Etymology of LIFELINE
The word "lifeline" is composed of two parts: "life" and "line".
1. "Life": The origin of the word "life" can be traced back to the Old English word "līf", which descended from the Proto-Germanic word "libam". It has cognates in various Germanic languages, such as Old High German "liba" and Old Norse "lif". The consistent meaning across these languages is "existence, animated being".
2. "Line": The word "line" comes from the Old English word "līne", which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*linō". This word has Germanic cognates like Old Frisian "line" and Old High German "lina", with the meaning of "a thread-like marking". The word later evolved to refer to a stretch or stroke.
Idioms with the word LIFELINE
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throw a lifeline to (or throw someone a lifeline)
The idiom "throw a lifeline to" or "throw someone a lifeline" means to offer help or support to someone who is in a difficult or desperate situation. It implies providing assistance or guidance that can potentially rescue or save them from their predicament.
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throw a lifeline to (someone)
The idiom "throw a lifeline to (someone)" means to provide assistance or support to someone who is in a difficult or distressing situation. It implies offering help or rescue to someone who is struggling or in need of assistance. The term is often derived from the act of throwing a lifeline, typically a rope or a buoy, to a drowning or stranded person in order to save their life or bring them to safety.
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throw (one) a lifeline
The idiom "throw (one) a lifeline" means to provide someone with assistance or support in a difficult situation, often when they are struggling or in need of help. It originates from the act of throwing a lifeline to a person who is in danger of drowning, offering them a means of survival or rescue.
Similar spelling words for LIFELINE
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