Crossroads
'krɒs.rəʊdz
Definitions
2 meaningsA place where two or more roads meet and cross each other.
'krɒs.rəʊdz
A place where roads meet and cross
We stopped at the crossroads to decide which way to go.
💡 Simply: Imagine two streets getting together and making an X! That X is the crossroads. It's where you have to decide which way to go.
👶 For kids: It's where roads cross each other, like making an X with roads!
More Examples
The gas station is located at the main crossroads in town.
Be careful when crossing at the crossroads because cars can come from many directions.
How It's Used
"The accident happened at a busy crossroads."
"The crossroads was marked on the map."
A crucial point or stage when a decision must be made.
'krɒs.rəʊdz
A crucial point when a decisive choice must be made
The company is at a crossroads and must decide on a new strategy.
💡 Simply: Sometimes, life is like a crossroads. You have to decide which way to go: a big decision. Like choosing between two different jobs, or moving to a new place.
👶 For kids: It's like when you have to choose between two things, and it's a really important choice!
More Examples
At this crossroads in her life, she decided to pursue her dream of being a painter.
The economic crisis put the country at a crossroads.
How It's Used
"He stood at a crossroads in his career, unsure which path to take."
"She was at a crossroads in her life, contemplating a career change."
Idioms & expressions
at a crossroads
At a crucial point in time when a decision must be made.
"The company is at a crossroads and needs to decide on its future."
From the Old English word 'cros' (cross) and 'rād' (road), denoting the point where two or more roads intersect, literally 'cross roads'.
The term has been used since at least the early 17th century, initially referring literally to the intersection of roads, and later figuratively to life decisions.
Memory tip
Think of a cross shape where the roads intersect.