ENGLISH
REFERENCE

cobble together

phr. v..
C1 Advanced Oxford

phr. v.. to make something quickly by using whatever parts or materials you have available. You use this when the result is not perfect but it works for now.

phr. v.. to assemble or produce something in a hasty, makeshift, or improvised manner. Often implies a lack of careful planning or the use of disparate components.


SIMPLE

I had to cobble together a meal from leftovers.

CONTEXTUAL

The team managed to cobble together a working prototype just hours before the big presentation.

COMPLEX

The coalition government was cobbled together from several small parties with wildly different political agendas, leading to immediate internal friction.

Particles
together
Separability
optional
Pattern
cobble + (object) + together
Usage

usually used for physical objects, plans, or groups created under pressure.

Teaching tip

the verb 'cobble' originally refers to a shoemaker; explain that just as an old-fashioned cobbler might patch shoes with scraps, we 'cobble together' things from available bits.

Pitfall

They cobbled the plan.They cobbled the plan together.the particle 'together' is essential to convey the meaning of assembly from various parts.

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