rip cord: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical, Specialized, Figurative
Quick answer
What does “rip cord” mean?
A cord that is pulled to open a parachute, initiating the deployment sequence.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A cord that is pulled to open a parachute, initiating the deployment sequence.
Any cord or mechanism that, when pulled, releases or activates something quickly and decisively.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference. In US military/aviation contexts, 'ripcord' (one word) is more common. UK usage sometimes retains the hyphen. Figurative use is more established in American English.
Connotations
Identical core connotations of emergency action and deployment. The figurative sense of a 'last resort' or 'escape mechanism' is slightly stronger in AmE.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in AmE, particularly in financial and political journalism using the metaphor.
Grammar
How to Use “rip cord” in a Sentence
[Subject] pulled the rip cord.[Subject] serves as a/the rip cord for [event/process].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “rip cord” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He had to ripcord at a dangerously low altitude.
- The mechanism is designed to ripcord automatically.
American English
- She ripcorded after a ten-second freefall.
- If the main chute fails, you must ripcord immediately.
adjective
British English
- The ripcord assembly was inspected before the jump.
- A ripcord malfunction is a rare but serious event.
American English
- He checked the ripcord handle one last time.
- The training covered ripcord procedure in detail.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Figurative: 'The CEO pulled the rip cord on the failing project, shutting it down completely.'
Academic
Rare, except in technical papers on aeronautics or safety engineering.
Everyday
Limited to discussions of skydiving or extreme sports. Figurative use understood but not common.
Technical
Standard term in aviation, skydiving, and certain mechanical/emergency systems (e.g., inflatable life raft).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “rip cord”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “rip cord”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “rip cord”
- Using 'rip cord' to refer to any string or cord used for tying (e.g., a shoelace). Confusing it with 'ripcord' as a verb (to use a rip cord).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both 'rip cord' (with space) and 'ripcord' (closed) are acceptable. Technical and military manuals often use the closed form 'ripcord'.
Yes, but it is highly specialized. The verb 'to ripcord' (past tense: ripcorded) means to deploy a parachute by pulling the rip cord. It is almost exclusively used in aviation/skydiving contexts.
In a literal context, confusing it with a non-emergency cord could be dangerous. In figurative use, it is specifically a metaphor for a final, abortive action, not just any trigger.
The primary idiom is 'to pull the rip cord (on something),' meaning to activate an escape plan or decisively end a failing endeavor.
A cord that is pulled to open a parachute, initiating the deployment sequence.
Rip cord is usually technical, specialized, figurative in register.
Rip cord: in British English it is pronounced /ˈrɪp ˌkɔːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈrɪp ˌkɔːrd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “pull the rip cord (on something)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a skydiver shouting 'RIP!' as they tear open their parachute pack with the CORD.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SAFETY MECHANISM / ESCAPE ROUTE IS A RIP CORD. A DECISIVE TRIGGER FOR CHANGE IS A RIP CORD.
Practice
Quiz
In a figurative sense, what does it mean to 'pull the rip cord' on a business venture?