cage
B1Neutral; used in both formal and informal contexts.
Definition
Meaning
A structure of bars or wires for confining animals or birds.
Any restrictive, confining, or enclosing structure, situation, or mindset.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a concrete noun, but readily extends metaphorically to abstract concepts of restriction. Can be used as a verb for the act of confinement.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning or use. Spelling and pronunciation are standard. Some regional variations in slang or metaphorical usage are minor (e.g., 'cagey').
Connotations
Both share negative connotations of confinement, restriction, and imprisonment when used metaphorically.
Frequency
Similar frequency. The verb usage is slightly less frequent than the noun in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
cage [OBJECT] (in/inside something)be cagedfeel caged (in)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “rattle someone's cage (to annoy or provoke someone)”
- “cage in (to restrict or confine)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Metaphorical: 'Employees felt caged by the rigid corporate hierarchy.'
Academic
Used in biology, zoology, and sociology to discuss confinement, both literal and social.
Everyday
Common for pet enclosures (bird, hamster). Metaphorical: 'Working from home can sometimes feel like a cage.'
Technical
In engineering: a protective cage around machinery; in anatomy: the rib cage; in sports: a fighting cage.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The zookeepers had to cage the agitated lion for safety.
- She felt caged in by her small-town life.
American English
- They caged the suspect in the interrogation room.
- Don't cage your creativity with too many rules.
adjective
British English
- He's a cage fighter by profession.
- The cage door was left slightly ajar.
American English
- The cage match is scheduled for next week.
- We need a new cage cover for the parrot.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The bird is in the cage.
- He opened the cage door.
- The hamster escaped from its cage last night.
- The old cage was made of rusty iron.
- Despite her wealth, she felt caged by social expectations.
- The protective cage around the fan prevents accidents.
- The novel explores the psychological cage of addiction from which the protagonist struggles to break free.
- The policy effectively cages innovation within a labyrinth of bureaucracy.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a bird singing 'K' for 'key' because it wants the key to its CAGE.
Conceptual Metaphor
RESTRICTION IS A CAGE; LIFE/OPPRESSION IS A CAGE.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating 'cage' as 'клетка' for a 'prison cell' – that's 'камера'. 'Клетка' is correct for animal/bird enclosures.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect verb tense: 'He was caging the bird yesterday' (correct: 'He caged...'). Using 'cage' for a very large enclosure like a zoo compound is atypical.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a strong collocation with 'cage'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While its primary use is for animals, it's commonly used metaphorically for people feeling trapped (e.g., in a job, relationship) and in technical terms (rib cage, elevator cage).
A 'cage' is typically made of bars or wire mesh. A 'cell' is a small room (like in a prison or monastery). An 'enclosure' is a more general term for any area that is closed off.
Rarely. Its core semantics involve restriction. In contexts like a 'protective cage' around machinery, it's neutral/functional. For a pet owner, a 'cage' might be seen as a safe home, but the underlying idea is still confinement.
It means to put or keep in a cage. It is often used in the passive voice, especially metaphorically: 'The animals were caged for transport.' 'She felt caged by her responsibilities.'