limb
C1Formal or technical in its literal meaning; figurative use is common in formal and journalistic contexts.
Definition
Meaning
an arm or leg of a person or animal, or a large branch of a tree.
Used figuratively to denote a projecting part, a section of a group, or something that branches out from a main structure.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The literal meaning refers to a major appendage; 'branch' is a common synonym but 'limb' suggests larger size or importance. Figurative use often implies a crucial but dependent part of a larger whole.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the word identically in core and figurative meanings.
Connotations
Slightly more formal or technical than 'arm' or 'leg' in everyday contexts.
Frequency
Equal frequency in both varieties. The idiom 'out on a limb' is equally common.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[VERB] a limb (amputate, lose, sever)[ADJECTIVE] limb (artificial, phantom, lower)go out on a limbVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “out on a limb (in a risky or isolated position)”
- “risk life and limb (to take great physical risks)”
- “tear someone limb from limb (to attack someone violently)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Figuratively: 'The research division is a vital limb of our corporation.'
Academic
Anatomy/Physiology: 'The study focused on neural pathways in the upper limb.' Biology: 'The fallen limb was examined for fungal growth.'
Everyday
Literal: 'He broke a limb in the skiing accident.' Figurative: 'I feel like I'm out on a limb with this unpopular proposal.'
Technical
Medical: 'The patient requires a prosthetic limb.' Arboriculture: 'The diseased limb must be pruned to save the tree.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The tree surgeon will limb the oak carefully.
- They had to limb the fallen pine to clear the path.
American English
- We need to limb these trees before the storm season.
- He limbed the deer quickly after the hunt.
adjective
British English
- This is a limb salvage procedure.
- The report highlighted limb-related injuries.
American English
- The hospital has a new limb rehabilitation center.
- She specializes in limb prosthetics.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The cat hurt its limb.
- A big limb fell from the tree.
- He lost a limb in the accident.
- She was sitting on a thick tree limb.
- The new policy has put the minister out on a limb politically.
- Surgeons managed to reattach the severed limb.
- Phantom limb pain can be a debilitating condition for amputees.
- The radical wing is often seen as the most troublesome limb of the political party.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of CLIMBing a tree using its large LIMBS. Both words share the letters 'l-i-m-b'.
Conceptual Metaphor
ORGANIZATIONS ARE BODIES (e.g., 'the banking limb of the conglomerate'), ISOLATION IS BEING ON A BRANCH (e.g., 'out on a limb').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'member' (член) in non-anatomical contexts. 'Limb' is more specific to arms/legs/branches.
- The silent 'b' can be a spelling trap.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'lim' (dropping the silent 'b').
- Using 'limb' for small branches or twigs (use 'branch' or 'twig').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'limb' used figuratively?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the 'b' is silent, similar to words like 'comb' and 'dumb'.
A 'limb' is a large, primary branch of a tree. Smaller subdivisions are typically called 'branches' or 'twigs'. In anatomy, 'limb' specifically refers to arms and legs.
Yes, figuratively it can refer to any projecting part or a distinct section of a larger organization or structure (e.g., 'the covert limb of the agency').
It means being in a risky, vulnerable, or isolated position because you have expressed an opinion or taken action that others do not support.