ENGLISH
REFERENCE

padded cell

idiom
Meaning

A room in a mental hospital lined with padding on the walls, and often a cushioned floor, in order to prevent occupants from injuring themselves.


Examples
SIMPLE

The patient was moved to a padded cell for his own safety.

CONTEXTUAL

The doctors decided to place the agitated patient in a padded cell to prevent him from hurting himself during the night.

COMPLEX

After the patient began striking the walls in a fit of distress, the staff had no choice but to transfer him to a padded cell for his protection.

Anchors to
Related idioms1entry
  1. 01

    Flowery Dell

    [Cockney slang]cell

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