krutch
B1Neutral (formal and informal).
Definition
Meaning
A mobility aid, typically made of wood or metal, that fits under the armpit to help a person walk when injured.
A person or thing that provides support, often used to imply dependency or an avoidance of a more robust solution.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word can be used literally (medical device) or metaphorically (psychological/social support). The metaphorical use often carries a pejorative nuance, suggesting weakness or avoidance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in literal meaning. Metaphorical use is common in both varieties. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Slightly more negative connotation in metaphorical use in American English (e.g., 'using alcohol as a crutch').
Frequency
Equally frequent in both dialects for the literal sense. Metaphorical use is very common in both.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
N (literal)N for N (metaphorical): 'He was a crutch for her grief.'V + N: 'use a crutch'Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a crutch for the lame (dated, metaphorical)”
- “on crutches”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Metaphorical: 'The subsidy became a crutch for the inefficient company.'
Academic
Used in psychology/sociology: 'The theory served as an intellectual crutch.'
Everyday
Literal: 'I'll need crutches for six weeks after the surgery.' Metaphorical: 'Stop using your phone as a social crutch.'
Technical
Medical/Physiotherapy context: 'Ensure the crutch is adjusted to 1-2 inches below the armpit.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He was crutching his way across the muddy field.
- The old wall was crutched by timber supports.
American English
- She crutched slowly to the pharmacy.
- The legislation crutches a failing industry.
adjective
British English
- Crutch users should mind the wet floor.
- It was a crutch-like dependency.
American English
- He's in a crutch-walking competition.
- Their crutch relationship wasn't healthy.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He walks with crutches.
- Her crutch is blue.
- After breaking his ankle, he needed crutches for a month.
- She used her friend's advice as a crutch during the difficult time.
- Relying on memorised phrases can be a crutch that prevents true language fluency.
- The government's bailout was criticised as merely a financial crutch for the corporation.
- His ideological crutch collapsed under the weight of contradictory evidence, forcing a painful but necessary intellectual reckoning.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CRUTCH helping a CRICKET player with a hurt leg. Both words start with 'CR'.
Conceptual Metaphor
SUPPORT IS A CRUTCH (often implying temporary or undesirable dependency).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'костыль' (literal translation is correct).
- Beware of false cognate with Russian 'круч' (steep bank) – no relation.
- The metaphorical negative connotation is stronger in English than in the neutral Russian 'опора'.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'crutch' (correct) vs. 'kruch' or 'crutche'.
- Using 'crutches' as a singular (incorrect: 'a crutches').
- Confusing 'crutch' (body aid) with 'clutch' (grasp or car part).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes the metaphorical use of 'crutch'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily, yes. While designed for lower body mobility issues, it can refer to any underarm mobility aid, even if the injury is elsewhere (e.g., a hip injury).
In a metaphorical sense, calling a person a 'crutch' is usually negative. It suggests the other person is overly dependent on them, preventing growth or independence.
A crutch is used in pairs, transfers weight through the hands and upper body, and is for more significant injuries. A cane is single, used for balance, and transfers weight through the hand and wrist.
Yes, though less common. To 'crutch' means to move using crutches (e.g., 'He crutched down the hall') or to support something as if with a crutch.