swiss cheese
IntermediateInformal, occasionally technical (in food contexts)
Definition
Meaning
A firm, pale yellow cheese, originally from Switzerland, characterized by its distinct holes (called 'eyes'), which are formed by gas bubbles during fermentation. Examples include Emmental and Gruyère.
Any cheese with a similar holey appearance, or a metaphorical term for something full of holes or gaps, especially in a system, plan, or argument.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
In its literal sense, it's a hyponym of 'cheese'. The metaphorical usage is well-established, often implying vulnerability or ineffectiveness due to the presence of many gaps.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference. The metaphorical usage is equally common in both varieties.
Connotations
The literal cheese is associated with sandwiches and fondue. The metaphorical use has negative connotations of incompleteness or flaw.
Frequency
The literal term is moderately frequent. The metaphorical usage is common in journalism and analytical writing.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
be + like + Swiss cheeseresemble + Swiss cheesehave + the consistency of + Swiss cheesebe + full of holes + like + Swiss cheeseVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “have more holes than Swiss cheese”
- “be like a piece of Swiss cheese”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
‘Their cybersecurity is like Swiss cheese.’
Academic
‘The study's methodology was Swiss cheese, with numerous unaccounted variables.’
Everyday
‘I made a ham and Swiss cheese toastie for lunch.’
Technical
‘The Swiss cheese model illustrates how multiple layers of defense can fail.’
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The plan was Swiss-cheese weak from the start. (informal, attributive use)
American English
- We're dealing with a Swiss-cheese firewall here. (informal, attributive use)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I like Swiss cheese in my sandwich.
- This cheese has holes. It is Swiss cheese.
- The documentary explained how the holes get into Swiss cheese.
- His old jumper was full of holes, like Swiss cheese.
- Their alibi was scrutinised and found to be as full of holes as Swiss cheese.
- The Swiss cheese model of accident causation is used in risk management.
- The treaty's enforcement mechanisms are fundamentally Swiss cheese, relying on voluntary compliance with numerous opt-outs.
- Critics dismissed the policy paper as a Swiss cheese argument—impressive at first glance but structurally unsound.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of SWISS CHEESE = SWISS (from Switzerland) + CHEESE with holes. The holes look like the holes in a SWISS (Switzerland) flag's cross if you imagine many of them.
Conceptual Metaphor
A COMPLEX SYSTEM/IDEA IS A PHYSICAL OBJECT; FLAWS/ABSENCES ARE HOLES.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate as 'швейцарский сыр' in metaphorical contexts; use a descriptive phrase like 'дырявый, как решето'. In literal contexts, 'швейцарский сыр' is acceptable but 'Эмменталь' is more precise.
Common Mistakes
- Writing 'Swiss-cheese' as a hyphenated compound (it is typically open). Using the metaphor for a single large hole instead of many small ones.
Practice
Quiz
In the 'Swiss cheese model' of risk, what do the slices of cheese represent?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, not necessarily. 'Swiss cheese' is now a generic term for a style of holey cheese. Authentic Emmentaler, however, has a protected designation of origin (PDO).
The holes (called 'eyes') are caused by carbon dioxide gas produced by specific bacteria (Propionibacterium freudenreichii) during fermentation.
No, it is not a standard verb. The metaphorical use is adjectival or nominal.
In many countries, especially the US, 'Swiss cheese' is the common name for a mild, holey cheese resembling Emmental. True Emmental is a specific, often stronger, variety from the Emme valley in Switzerland.