English Reference
noun

sands

n.
US /ˈsændz/ UK /sˈændz/ sands

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate Literary

    a large area covered in sand, like a long beach or a wide desert.

    an expanse of sand, typically referring to a coastal area or a desert region.

    Simple

    We walked across the golden sands as the sun began to set.

    In context

    The vast, shifting sands of the Sahara present a formidable challenge to even the most experienced desert travellers.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Literary

    the idea of time running out, like sand falling through an hourglass.

    a figurative reference to the passage of time, derived from the movement of sand in an hourglass.

    Simple

    The sands of time wait for no one.

    In context

    As the sands ran out on the negotiations, both parties felt the mounting pressure to reach a compromise before the midnight deadline.

This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Frequent
Updated