samson
C1Formal, literary, historical, technical (in specific fields like mechanics).
Definition
Meaning
A person of great strength and power.
Something extremely strong or massive, or a type of heavy-lifting machinery or device.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used as a proper noun (name) or a common noun derived from the biblical figure. The common noun usage often implies a comparison to the legendary strength of Samson.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. In technical contexts (e.g., nautical, construction), the term for specific equipment (like a 'samson post') is used in both varieties.
Connotations
Literary, historical, or metaphorical. In both varieties, it connotes exceptional, often raw or brute, strength.
Frequency
Low frequency in everyday language. More likely encountered in literature, religious discourse, or specific technical jargon.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[be] a samson of a [noun] (e.g., He was a samson of a man.)[noun] like a samsonVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A Samson and Delilah situation (a relationship where one is betrayed by the other's charm).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Potentially metaphorical: 'The company is the samson of the industry, but faces regulatory threats.'
Academic
Used in literary criticism, theology, and historical studies to reference the biblical narrative or archetype.
Everyday
Very rare. Used for emphasis: 'You'd need to be a samson to lift that!'
Technical
Specific terms exist: 'samson post' (nautical - a strong vertical post for mooring).
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- He possessed a samson-like strength.
American English
- They built a samson-strong foundation.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Samson is a name from a very old story.
- In the story, Samson was a very strong man.
- The footballer was a samson on the pitch, impossible to push off the ball.
- The politician's downfall was a classic Samson and Delilah narrative, where trust in a confidante led to his ruin.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a strong SUN (sam-sun) causing a powerful beam, just like Samson's powerful beams (pillars) he pulled down.
Conceptual Metaphor
STRENGTH IS A MYTHOLOGICAL/HISTORICAL FIGURE; OVERCONFIDENCE LEADS TO DOWNFALL.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating directly as 'Самсон' in non-biblical contexts; it sounds like a personal name only. For 'a samson,' use 'силач', 'богатырь'.
- The idiom 'Samson and Delilah' translates as 'Самсон и Далила', but the metaphorical meaning may need explanation.
Common Mistakes
- Capitalisation: Using lowercase when referring to the biblical figure (should be 'Samson').
- Using it as a generic synonym for 'strong' without the noun structure (e.g., 'He is very samson' is incorrect).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'samson' most likely used in its technical sense?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
When referring directly to the biblical character, yes ('Samson'). When used as a common noun meaning a very strong person or thing, it is often lowercase ('a samson'), though capitalisation can vary.
It is highly unusual and non-idiomatic. The archetype is explicitly masculine. Terms like 'amazon' might be used for a strong woman.
The primary reference is the biblical Judge Samson from the Book of Judges, known for his supernatural strength and his betrayal by Delilah.
It is positive in connoting strength, but often carries a tragic or cautionary nuance due to the biblical story where his strength leads to hubris and downfall.