jigsaw
B2Informal, Neutral
Definition
Meaning
A saw with a fine, narrow blade for cutting intricate curves, used in woodworking.
A puzzle consisting of many irregularly shaped interlocking pieces that must be assembled to form a picture; also used metaphorically to describe something complex that is understood by putting pieces of information together.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily refers to the puzzle (the most common modern use). The original 'saw' meaning is now specialist/technical. The metaphorical use ('jigsaw of evidence') is common in journalism and discussion.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Both refer to the puzzle and the saw identically.
Connotations
Identical connotations of patience, detail, and problem-solving.
Frequency
Equal frequency. 'Jigsaw puzzle' is a common full term in both varieties, though 'jigsaw' alone is standard for the puzzle.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
solve/complete/assemble/do a jigsaw (puzzle)fit together like a jigsawpiece of the jigsawjigsaw of [abstract noun, e.g., evidence, information]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “piece of the jigsaw”
- “fit together like a jigsaw”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Metaphorical: 'We need the final piece of the jigsaw to complete the merger.' Refers to crucial missing information.
Academic
Used in research contexts: 'The study provides another piece in the jigsaw of climate modelling.'
Everyday
Primarily the physical puzzle: 'The family spent the evening doing a jigsaw.'
Technical
The saw: 'Use a jigsaw to cut the curved profile.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He jigsawed the plywood to create the template.
- The plan is to jigsaw the old floorboards out.
American English
- She jigsawed the board to fit the odd-shaped corner.
- We'll need to jigsaw through this metal bracket.
adverb
British English
- The narrative unfolded jigsaw-wise, revealing clues slowly.
American English
- The data was assembled jigsaw-style, piece by piece.
adjective
British English
- It was a jigsaw-like process of deduction.
- The map had a confusing jigsaw pattern.
American English
- The investigation followed a jigsaw methodology.
- The plot had a jigsaw structure that was hard to follow.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I like doing jigsaws with my grandma.
- This jigsaw has big pieces for children.
- We bought a 500-piece jigsaw puzzle of a castle.
- The last piece of the jigsaw was under the sofa.
- The detective worked to fit all the clues together like a jigsaw.
- Using a jigsaw is the best way to cut that curved shape in wood.
- Her research provided a vital piece in the jigsaw of Roman economic history.
- The film's narrative is deliberately jigsawed, forcing the viewer to reconstruct the timeline.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
JIG + SAW: Imagine a dancing JIG that SAWs intricate shapes out of wood. The saw's blade 'jigs' (moves quickly up and down) to cut.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMPLEXITY IS A JIGSAW PUZZLE; UNDERSTANDING IS ASSEMBLING; INFORMATION IS PIECES.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate as 'лобзик' unless referring specifically to the saw (technical). The puzzle is 'пазл' or 'мозаика'.
- Avoid direct calques like 'игра-пила'.
- The metaphorical use ('jigsaw of evidence') should be translated conceptually, not word-for-word.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'jigsaw' as a verb for the puzzle activity is non-standard (e.g., 'We jigsawed all night'). Correct: 'We did a jigsaw.'
- Confusing 'jigsaw' (puzzle/saw) with 'jigsaw' as a brand or other tool.
- Misspelling as 'jig-saw' (acceptable but less common).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'jigsaw' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Puzzle' is a broad term. A 'jigsaw' (or 'jigsaw puzzle') is a specific type of puzzle with interlocking pieces forming a picture.
Yes, but mainly in a technical/woodworking context meaning 'to cut with a jigsaw'. Using it to mean 'doing a jigsaw puzzle' (e.g., 'We jigsawed') is informal and less common.
It's standard in both. No significant variation in use.
Originally from the tool (the 'jig saw'), named for its rapid 'jigging' up-and-down motion. Puzzles were made using such saws to cut intricate shapes, hence the name transferred to the puzzle.