NINEPINS Meaning and
Definition
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Ninepins is a term commonly used to refer to a traditional German bowling game that involves rolling a ball to knock down nine pins arranged in a diamond shape. The objective of the game is to knock down all the pins with as few throws as possible. Ninepins is typically played outside on a lane or alley, which is a long, narrow playing surface with well-defined boundaries. The pins, also known as "skittles," are usually made of wood and are set up in a specific pattern at the end of the lane.
The game of ninepins has a rich history dating back to the medieval period and has been played in various forms around the world. It requires a mix of skill, precision, and strategy to accurately aim and knock down the pins. Unlike tenpin bowling, which uses a larger ball and ten pins, ninepins have a smaller ball and fewer pins, making it a challenging and dynamic game.
In addition to the traditional German variant, ninepins can also refer to related games played in different countries, such as the French version known as quilles, or the British game called skittles. These variations have their own unique rules and adaptations while still retaining the fundamental objective of knocking down nine pins. Overall, ninepins is a fascinating and entertaining game that has captivated players for centuries with its simplicity and allure.
Common Misspellings for NINEPINS
- ninepenc
- ninepeny
- binepins
- minepins
- jinepins
- hinepins
- nunepins
- njnepins
- nknepins
- nonepins
- n9nepins
- n8nepins
- nibepins
- nimepins
- nijepins
- nihepins
- ninwpins
- ninspins
- nindpins
- ninpins
- ninepens
Etymology of NINEPINS
The word "ninepins" has an interesting etymology. It originated from the combination of "nine" and "pins".
The word "nine" comes from the Old English "nigon", which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic "newun". This word ultimately goes back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*newn", meaning "nine".
"Pins", on the other hand, comes from the Old English "pinn", which can be derived from the Proto-Germanic "*pinnaz". This word is related to the Middle Low German "pinne" and the Dutch "pin". These Germanic words are believed to have been borrowed from the Latin "pinna", meaning "peg" or "pin".
Idioms with the word NINEPINS
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drop like ninepins
The idiom "drop like ninepins" means that a large number of people or things are falling or collapsing rapidly and continuously, similar to how ninepins (a game of bowling) fall quickly when struck by a ball. It suggests a situation where several individuals or objects are collapsing or failing simultaneously and with little resistance.
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go down, drop, etc. like ninepins
The idiom "go down, drop, etc. like ninepins" means that something or someone is rapidly or easily falling down or being defeated, with little resistance or effort. It often implies a domino effect or a chain reaction of various elements failing one after the other without much resistance. The idiom is derived from the game of ninepins, where the pins are arranged in a diamond shape, and when one is knocked down, it often leads to the others falling rapidly.
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go down/fall like ninepins
The idiom "go down/fall like ninepins" refers to a situation where a number of people or things are rapidly and unexpectedly falling or failing one after another, similar to the way bowling pins collapse when knocked down in quick succession. It denotes a swift and successive series of losses, failures, or defeats.
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fall like ninepins
The idiom "fall like ninepins" means to fall or collapse rapidly, easily, and in great number. It originated from the classic game of ninepins, a precursor to modern bowling, in which the wooden pins are easily knocked down when hit by the ball. This idiom is often used to describe a situation or event where a series of individuals or things succumb quickly and effortlessly.
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go down like ninepins
The idiom "go down like ninepins" means to be easily defeated or to quickly succumb to something. It is often used when referring to a group of people or things that are experiencing a rapid downfall or defeat. The phrase "ninepins" refers to a game similar to bowling, where the objective is to knock down nine wooden pins with a ball. In this idiom, the image of the pins falling easily suggests a swift and effortless defeat or downfall.
Similar spelling words for NINEPINS
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