Quicksand: meaning, definitions and examples
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quicksand
[ˈkwɪksænd ]
Definitions
dangerous ground
Quicksand is a wet, soft, spongy, and extremely treacherous ground that appears solid when it is not. It consists of sand, clay, and saltwater, and can suck in anything that steps on it.
Synonyms
bog, mud trap, sinking sand.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| quicksand |
Quicksand is used to describe a natural phenomenon where sand appears solid but behaves like a liquid when disturbed, causing objects to sink. It is often encountered in adventure or survival situations.
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| sinking sand |
Sinking sand is similar to quicksand, but it emphasizes the action of sinking. It is typically used in the same kinds of scenarios as quicksand, but with a focus on the immediate danger of sinking.
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| mud trap |
Mud trap refers to an area with thick, sticky mud that can ensnare vehicles or people. This term is often used in off-roading, construction, or situations involving heavy rain and soil.
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| bog |
A bog is a type of wetland area that accumulates peat, a deposit of dead plant material. It is typically used to describe a swampy, spongy ground that can make walking difficult. Bogs are often found in literature related to nature, hiking, or horror.
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Examples of usage
- Be careful when walking near the river, there might be quicksand.
- The explorers got trapped in quicksand while crossing the desert.
difficult situation
Quicksand is also used metaphorically to describe a difficult or inescapable situation that seems to get worse the harder one tries to get out of it. It is often associated with being trapped or overwhelmed.
Synonyms
dilemma, predicament, quagmire.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| quicksand |
Generally used metaphorically to describe a situation that seems manageable at first but becomes increasingly difficult to escape from. Often has a negative connotation.
|
| predicament |
Used to describe a difficult, unpleasant, or embarrassing situation. It may not always involve a choice but highlights the complexity or uncomfortable nature of the situation.
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| quagmire |
Often used to describe a complex, hazardous, and entangling situation, sometimes involving bureaucratic or political contexts. It has a negative connotation.
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| dilemma |
Used to describe a situation where a person has to choose between two equally undesirable or desirable options, often implying difficult decision-making.
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Examples of usage
- She felt like she was sinking in quicksand with all the work piling up.
- The company is in financial quicksand and struggling to stay afloat.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The term 'quicksand' comes from the Old English 'cwic' meaning 'living' or 'alive', combined with 'sand'.
- Historically, 'quick' also referred to something that is lively or energetic, reflecting how quicksand can suddenly become dangerous.
Science
- Quicksand forms when sand becomes saturated with water, reducing friction and creating a semi-liquid state.
- The phenomenon can occur in natural environments like riverbanks or beaches, especially in areas with loose, moist sand.
Cultural References
- Quicksand commonly appears in movies and books as a perilous trap, contributing to its mythical status in popular culture.
- Many cartoons and adventure stories depict characters getting stuck in quicksand, adding to its mystique and fear factor.
Psychology
- The fear of quicksand can symbolize feelings of being overwhelmed or trapped in life, beyond just the physical danger.
- Many people associate quicksand with childhood fears, as it often features in stories that invoke anxiety about not being able to escape.
Literature
- Quicksand has been used as a metaphor in literature, symbolizing both danger and existential struggles.
- Notable authors sometimes refer to quicksand to represent emotional turmoil or challenges that seem easy to fall into but are hard to escape.
Translations
Translations of the word "quicksand" in other languages:
🇵🇹 areia movediça
🇮🇳 धंसने वाली रेत
🇩🇪 Treibsand
🇮🇩 pasir hisap
🇺🇦 пливун
🇵🇱 ruchome piaski
🇯🇵 流砂 (りゅうさ)
🇫🇷 sables mouvants
🇪🇸 arenas movedizas
🇹🇷 bataklık kumu
🇰🇷 유사 (流砂)
🇸🇦 رمال متحركة
🇨🇿 tekutý písek
🇸🇰 tekutý piesok
🇨🇳 流沙 (liúshā)
🇸🇮 premični pesek
🇮🇸 kviksandur
🇰🇿 жылжымалы құм
🇬🇪 მოძრავი ქვიშა
🇦🇿 sürüşkən qum
🇲🇽 arenas movedizas