Corner
'kɔːrnər
Definitions
3 meaningsThe point where two lines or surfaces meet.
'kɔːrnər
A place or angle where two sides or edges meet.
The cat sat in the corner of the room.
💡 Simply: Think of it like the meeting point of two walls in your room, or the place where two streets cross. Like, "Let's meet at the corner of Main Street and Elm Street!"
👶 For kids: It's like where two sides of a box or a street come together!
More Examples
The artist added a decorative border to the corner of the painting.
He drove around the corner and turned onto the next street.
How It's Used
"The building's corner was reinforced with steel."
"They met at the corner of the park."
A difficult or precarious situation.
'kɔːrnər
A situation or position of difficulty or challenge.
The company was in a corner financially and had to make difficult choices.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're in a tight spot, like when you're in trouble or having a hard time. It's a tricky situation. For example, "The team was in a corner, trailing by two points with only seconds left."
👶 For kids: It means you're in a tricky spot where it's hard to get out!
More Examples
The scandal put the mayor in a difficult corner with the public.
He felt he was being backed into a corner and had to defend himself.
How It's Used
"The company was in a difficult corner due to the economic downturn."
"The politician was backed into a corner by the journalist's questions."
To force into a difficult or inescapable position.
'kɔːrnər
To force a person or company into a difficult situation.
The detective cornered the suspect and asked for his alibi.
💡 Simply: Like trapping someone or something, making it hard for them to move or escape. For instance, "The lawyer cornered the witness with a series of questions."
👶 For kids: It's when you trap someone or something, like a mouse in a corner!
More Examples
The wrestler cornered his opponent in the ring.
The company was accused of trying to corner the market on oil.
How It's Used
"The investor was trying to corner the market on the rare earth minerals."
"The defender cornered the opposing player."
Idioms & expressions
cut corners
To do something the easiest or cheapest way, often at the expense of quality or ethics.
"They cut corners in production, which led to poor quality."
around the corner
Happening soon or in the near future.
"The holidays are just around the corner!"
From Old French *corner*, from Latin *cornu* 'horn, corner'.
Used since Middle English, referring to a physical angle or a difficult situation.
Memory tip
Imagine a piece of paper folded; the corner is the folded part.