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skate

n. · v.
US //ˈskeɪt// UK //skˈeɪt// skate
  1. 1 footwear for gliding (n.)
    A2 Elementary Sport

    a boot with a blade or wheels on the bottom used for moving across ice or ground.

    a boot-mounted frame featuring either a steel runner for ice or wheels for pavement, designed for gliding.

    Example

    She sat on the bench to tighten the laces on her skates before going onto the ice.

    Example

    The professional hockey player inspected his skates for any dullness in the blades that might affect his cornering speed during the match.
  2. 2 to move on skates (v.)
    A2 Elementary Sport

    to move along a surface using ice skates, roller skates, or a skateboard.

    to glide or propel oneself across a surface using specialized footwear or a wheeled board.

    Example

    The children love to skate at the local park during the summer.

    Example

    The figure skater began to skate across the rink with a fluid grace that masked the immense physical strength required for the routine.
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  1. 3 to avoid trouble (v.)
    C1 Advanced Informal Slang

    to get away with something or avoid a difficult situation easily.

    to escape a difficult situation or avoid punishment, often through luck or a lack of evidence.

    Example

    He managed to skate through the exam even though he didn't study much.

    Example

    Despite the overwhelming evidence of negligence, the executive managed to skate on the charges due to a technicality in the contract.

    Usage

    Often used with 'on' or 'through'.
  2. 4 to move easily (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to move through a task or place very smoothly and without effort.

    to progress through a situation or move across a surface with effortless ease.

    Example

    She seemed to skate through the interview and got the job offer the next day.

    Example

    The experienced diplomat was able to skate through the delicate negotiations without offending either of the opposing parties.
Etymology 1

Back-formation from Dutch schaats, from Middle Dutch schāetse, from Old Northern French escache (“a stilt, trestle”) (compare French échasse and English scatch), from a Germanic language, perhaps Frankish skakkjā (“stilt”, literally “thing that moves”), related to skakan (“to shake, swing”).

Etymology 2

From Middle English skat, scate (also schat), from Old Norse skata (“skate”). Cognate with Icelandic skata (“skate, ray”), Norwegian skate (“skate”).

Etymology 3

Origin uncertain, but probably related to skite.

Idioms4 entries

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