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Sandbag - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

A sandbag is a bag filled with sand, used for protection against floods or as a weight in construction. It can also mean to deceive someone by pretending to be weaker than you are.

sandbag

/ˈsændˌbæɡ/ /ˈsændˌbæɡ/

Definition:

A bag filled with sand, used for protection, ballast, or as a weapon; to deceive or undermine someone.

Synonyms:

undermine, deceive, hinder, sabotage

Part of Speech:

noun, verb

Antonyms:

support, assist

Common Collocations:

sandbag barrier, sandbag wall, sandbag fortification

Derivatives:

sandbagger, sandbagging

Usage Tips:

Use "sandbag" literally for bags of sand or figuratively to describe delaying or deceiving someone intentionally.

Common Phrases:

hold the sandbags, hit with a sandbag, sandbag someone's efforts

Etymology:

Originates from "sand" + "bag," first used in the 19th century for flood control and later metaphorically.

Examples:

  • 1. The workers stacked sandbags to prevent flooding.
  • 2. He tried to sandbag his opponent by hiding his true strength.
  • 3. The river overflowed despite the sandbag barrier.
  • 4. Don’t let them sandbag you into agreeing unfairly.

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