Lifeline
ˈlaɪfˌlaɪn
Definitions
3 meaningsA rope or a line that is thrown to someone to save them from danger.
ˈlaɪfˌlaɪn
A rope or line used to save someone from danger, especially drowning.
The coast guard threw a lifeline to the shipwrecked sailors.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're falling off a cliff! A lifeline is like a strong rope someone throws you to save you. It's anything that helps you when you're in trouble, like a helping hand.
👶 For kids: A lifeline is like a special rope that helps someone who is in danger.
More Examples
The mountain climber secured her lifeline before starting the ascent.
The rescue team lowered a lifeline to the trapped miners.
How It's Used
"The sailors threw a lifeline to the struggling swimmer."
"Rescuers used a lifeline to pull the hiker to safety."
Something that gives support or help when you are having problems or need help.
ˈlaɪfˌlaɪn
Something that provides essential support or assistance, especially in a difficult situation.
The charity provided a lifeline to the homeless during the winter.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're really stressed about a test. A lifeline is anything that helps you get through it, like your friend helping you study or getting a good night's sleep to improve your mood and focus.
👶 For kids: A lifeline is something that helps you when you are feeling sad or scared.
More Examples
Internet access became a lifeline for many during the pandemic.
The government’s stimulus package was a lifeline for the economy.
How It's Used
"The new funding provided a lifeline to the struggling company."
"The support group offered a lifeline to people battling addiction."
"Her close friend was her lifeline during a difficult breakup."
A telephone line used for emergencies or critical communication.
ˈlaɪfˌlaɪn
A telephone line.
The operator connected the emergency lifeline immediately.
💡 Simply: Like a special phone connection that only sends important things, usually used when there is an emergency.
👶 For kids: A phone line that is very important.
More Examples
The ship used the lifeline to radio for help.
How It's Used
"The company maintained a lifeline to provide emergency support."
"The military established a secure lifeline for communication."
Idioms & expressions
throw someone a lifeline
To provide help or support to someone in a difficult situation.
"The company threw its struggling employees a lifeline by providing training programs."
a lifeline to
Something or someone who provides crucial support or assistance.
"The charity was a lifeline to the displaced refugees."
From 'life' + 'line'. The original sense referred to a rope used to save someone from drowning or falling. Its usage expanded metaphorically to any means of support or survival.
The term 'lifeline' first appeared in the late 19th century, referring to a rope used for saving someone from drowning. Its metaphorical sense developed later, particularly in the 20th century, expanding to mean any source of support or assistance.
Memory tip
Think of a literal rope: the rope gives life!