sticks
- 01 A2 Elementary
small, thin pieces of wood that have fallen from a tree.
the plural of 'stick', referring to thin pieces of wood or branches separated from a tree or shrub.
Simple“The children spent the afternoon gathering dry sticks to build a small campfire.”
In context“After the heavy storm, the lawn was littered with broken sticks and debris that had been blown down from the ancient oaks.”
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
a place that is far away from any town or city.
a remote rural area or the countryside, often used with a slightly derogatory or dismissive tone.
Simple“I grew up out in the sticks, so it took me a long time to get used to city traffic.”
In context“They decided to move out to the sticks to find some peace, though they soon realised the commute to the office was nearly two hours each way.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
a slang word for crutches used to help someone walk.
a slang term for crutches or walking aids, typically used in the plural.
Simple“He's been on sticks for three weeks since he broke his ankle playing football.”
In context“After the surgery, she was forced to get around on sticks until the physical therapist cleared her for weight-bearing exercises.”
Synonymscrutcheswalking aids
Usage sticks to cement
“Had a deal not been reached, some $28 billion worth of Canadian products — everything from hockey sticks to cement, alcohol to honey — would have faced 50% tariffs when the clock struck midnight.”
“The bump that sticks out is your Adam's apple .”