wedge
B2Neutral. Common in both everyday and technical contexts.
Definition
Meaning
A solid object with a triangular shape that tapers to a thin edge, used for splitting, tightening, securing, or holding things open.
A metaphorical divider or element that creates division or separation between people, groups, or things (e.g., 'a wedge issue'). Also refers to a type of shoe (wedge heel) or a golf club.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Core physical meaning involves force application (splitting, securing). Metaphorical use implies forcing apart or creating division. Also a specific shape category in geometry and design.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. 'Wedge issue' is slightly more common in US political discourse. 'Wedge heel' for shoes is universal.
Connotations
Similar in both variants. The metaphorical 'drive a wedge' carries strong negative connotations of causing conflict.
Frequency
Comparable frequency. The verb form ('to wedge something in') is very common in both.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
wedge + object + open/ajar/apartwedge + object + between + objectwedge + object + in/into + locationbe/get wedged + prepositional phraseVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “drive a wedge between”
- “the thin end of the wedge”
- “wedge politics”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Metaphorical: 'Their new pricing strategy is a wedge to split the competitor's market share.'
Academic
Geometric shape; Political Science: 'Analysing the use of wedge issues in electoral campaigns.'
Everyday
Physical object/action: 'Can you wedge the door open with that book?'
Technical
Engineering/Physics: 'The wedge is a simple machine that converts force.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- He used an iron wedge to split the old railway sleeper.
- The controversy became a political wedge during the debates.
- She prefers shoes with a wedge for walking on grass.
American English
- Put a wedge under the door so it stays open.
- Immigration was used as a wedge issue in the campaign.
- I bought new wedges for my golf bag.
verb
British English
- She managed to wedge the suitcase into the overflowing boot.
- My foot got wedged between the rocks.
American English
- He wedged the chair under the doorknob.
- The paper got wedged in the printer.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The man used a wedge to keep the window open.
- My shoe has a wedge.
- She wedged her bag next to her seat on the train.
- Cheese is often cut into wedges for a party.
- The scandal drove a wedge between the two coalition partners.
- They cleverly wedged their product into a new market niche.
- The policy was seen as a cynical wedge to fracture the opposition's voter base.
- The tectonic plate was wedged beneath its neighbour, causing immense pressure.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a WEDGE in a piece of WOOD. Both start with 'W' and a wedge is made of wood to split things.
Conceptual Metaphor
DIVISION IS A WEDGE (e.g., 'His comments drove a wedge into the team's unity.')
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not клин for 'wedge heel' (that's 'туфли на платформе/танкетке'). 'Клин' is correct for the physical splitting tool and the metaphor.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'wedge' as a synonym for any triangle (a slice of pie is a 'triangle' or 'sector', not typically a 'wedge' in casual food contexts). Confusing 'wedge' (active tool) with 'chock' (more passive block).
Practice
Quiz
In a political context, what does 'a wedge issue' primarily aim to do?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's also a very common verb meaning to force something into a narrow space or to fix something securely in that way (e.g., 'wedge it in').
Both are inclined planes, but a wedge is moved to split or lift, while a ramp is stationary for moving objects up or down. A wedge is the tool itself; a ramp is a surface.
Rarely. Its core mechanics involve prying apart. Even 'wedge heel' is neutral. The metaphor almost always implies creating division.
It's a British idiom meaning a small, apparently harmless beginning that is likely to lead to something more serious and undesirable.
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