Tinderbox: meaning, definitions and examples
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tinderbox
[ ˈtɪndərˌbɑks ]
fire starting
A tinderbox is a container used for carrying tinder, flint, and other items needed for starting a fire. Historically, it was a vital tool for warmth and cooking, especially before the advent of modern fire-starting technologies. The term can also refer to a situation that is highly volatile or prone to sudden change, much like how a small spark can ignite a tinderbox into flames.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He pulled out his tinderbox to light a fire.
- The political climate feels like a tinderbox waiting to explode.
- In survival training, they taught us how to use a tinderbox effectively.
Translations
Translations of the word "tinderbox" in other languages:
🇵🇹 caixa de fósforos
🇮🇳 तिल्ली का डिब्बा
🇩🇪 Zündholzschachtel
🇮🇩 kotak korek api
🇺🇦 сірникова коробка
🇵🇱 zapałki
🇯🇵 マッチ箱
🇫🇷 boîte d'allumettes
🇪🇸 caja de cerillas
🇹🇷 kibrit kutusu
🇰🇷 성냥갑
🇸🇦 علبة كبريت
🇨🇿 krabička na zápalky
🇸🇰 krabička zápaliek
🇨🇳 火柴盒
🇸🇮 škatlica za vžigalice
🇮🇸 kveikibox
🇰🇿 сірниковая қорапша
🇬🇪 მატჩების ყუთი
🇦🇿 qutu
🇲🇽 caja de cerillos
Etymology
The word 'tinderbox' has its origins in the late Middle Ages, first appearing in English around the 15th century. It is a compound word formed from 'tinder', which refers to dry material that ignites easily, and 'box', a simple container. Tinders were essential for starting fires, and various designs evolved for portability and practicality. With the advent of modern fire-making equipment, such as lighters and matches, the use of tinderboxes has largely diminished. However, the term has persisted, often metaphorically, to describe situations or environments that are dangerously unstable, reflecting the initial purpose of the item — to contain something that could ignite at any moment.