brooklyn bridge: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Proper noun; formal in technical/geographical contexts, informal in metaphorical/idiomatic use.
Quick answer
What does “brooklyn bridge” mean?
A large, iconic suspension bridge completed in 1883 that connects the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn in New York City.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large, iconic suspension bridge completed in 1883 that connects the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn in New York City.
A landmark and cultural symbol of New York City; also used metaphorically to refer to something sold under false pretenses (as in 'to sell someone the Brooklyn Bridge').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant semantic difference. The term is equally recognized as a New York landmark. The metaphorical idiom 'sell the Brooklyn Bridge' is more common in American English.
Connotations
In both dialects, it connotes iconic American engineering and New York City. In American English, it has stronger cultural resonance as a national symbol.
Frequency
Higher frequency in American English due to domestic geographic and cultural relevance.
Grammar
How to Use “brooklyn bridge” in a Sentence
[V] the Brooklyn Bridge (e.g., sell, buy, cross)[PREP] the Brooklyn Bridge (e.g., across, over, from)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “brooklyn bridge” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He tried to brooklyn-bridge me with that fake watch, but I wasn't born yesterday.
- They've practically brooklyn-bridged the entire planning committee.
American English
- Don't let him Brooklyn Bridge you into that bad contract.
- She totally Brooklyn Bridged those tourists with her 'exclusive' tour.
adverb
British English
- The deal was sold Brooklyn Bridge-style, with lots of flashy brochures.
- He argued his case rather Brooklyn Bridgely, full of grand claims.
American English
- They marketed the product Brooklyn Bridge-style, focusing on the dream.
- He talked Brooklyn Bridge-fast, trying to close the deal before we noticed the flaws.
adjective
British English
- He has a real Brooklyn-Bridge charm about him, all show and no substance.
- The proposal was a bit Brooklyn Bridge, if you ask me.
American English
- That's a Brooklyn Bridge scheme if I ever heard one.
- He gave me a Brooklyn Bridge promise he never intended to keep.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphorically used in negotiations or sales contexts to warn against fraudulent deals.
Academic
Referenced in history, engineering, architecture, and urban studies.
Everyday
Used in travel/tourism contexts or in the idiomatic expression about gullibility.
Technical
Discussed in civil engineering regarding its cable suspension design and historical construction.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “brooklyn bridge”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “brooklyn bridge”
- Using lowercase ('brooklyn bridge') when it is a proper noun.
- Omitting the definite article 'the' when referring to the specific bridge (e.g., 'We walked across Brooklyn Bridge' – UK acceptable, but US prefers 'the').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In American English, 'the Brooklyn Bridge' is standard. In British English, both 'the Brooklyn Bridge' and 'Brooklyn Bridge' (without the article) are acceptable, especially in travel writing.
Yes, but only informally and humorously, derived from the idiom. It means to deceive or swindle someone, as in 'He tried to Brooklyn Bridge me.' This usage is non-standard and colloquial.
The most common mistake is treating it as a common noun and not capitalising it (e.g., 'brooklyn bridge'). It is a proper noun and must always be capitalised.
The specific metaphor of 'selling the Brooklyn Bridge' is uniquely American. Other languages have their own equivalents for a gullibility-based scam, such as 'selling the Eiffel Tower' in French or 'selling a bridge' in Russian ('продать мост').
A large, iconic suspension bridge completed in 1883 that connects the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn in New York City.
Brooklyn bridge is usually proper noun; formal in technical/geographical contexts, informal in metaphorical/idiomatic use. in register.
Brooklyn bridge: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbrʊklɪn ˈbrɪdʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbrʊklɪn ˈbrɪdʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Sell someone the Brooklyn Bridge”
- “Buy the Brooklyn Bridge”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a BROOK (stream) flowing through a LYNN (a British name for a pool) in New York, but it's not a stream—it's a massive BRIDGE. Or: 'Don't let them sell you the bridge; it's already owned by the city.'
Conceptual Metaphor
LANDMARK IS A SYMBOL (of ambition, connection, deception if 'sold').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary connotation of the idiom 'to sell someone the Brooklyn Bridge'?