What does “Walk the plank” mean?
"Walk the plank" means to be forced to face a dangerous or difficult situation.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He was forced to walk the plank and confront his fears.
Example
The contestant had to walk the plank as part of the challenge.
Example
The captain ordered the mutineers to walk the plank as punishment
Is “Walk the plank” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Walk the plank” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Walk the plank” effectively in context?
You can use "Walk the Plank" to describe a situation where someone is being forced to face a dangerous or difficult situation against their will. It emphasizes the lack of choice and the inevitability of the situation. For example, if a friend is hesitant to confront their fears, you might say, 'You can't avoid it forever, you'll have to walk the plank and face your fears.'
- 1Confronting Fears
To overcome his fear of public speaking, he had to walk the plank and give a presentation in front of a large audience.
- 2Challenges and Tests
As part of the obstacle course, the contestants had to walk the plank suspended high above the ground.
- 3Punishment
In the pirate movie, the captain ordered the mutineers to walk the plank as a form of punishment.
Similar phrases to “Walk the plank”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Walk the plank” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Walk the Plank" can be traced back to the Golden Age of Piracy in the 17th and 18th centuries. It was a common punishment for captured sailors or prisoners aboard pirate ships. They would be forced to walk along a wooden plank extended over the side of the ship and into the water, often leading to their demise.
Is “Walk the plank” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Walk the Plank" is a well-known idiom, although it is not as commonly used in everyday conversation as some other idioms. It is often used in storytelling, pirate-themed contexts, or when describing situations that involve facing danger or difficulty.
What tone does “Walk the plank” have?
"Walk the Plank" conveys a tone of inevitability and danger. It is often used to describe situations where someone has no choice but to face a challenging or risky situation.
Can “Walk the plank” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "walk the plank" is more commonly used in informal settings or in creative writing. It may not be suitable for formal or professional situations unless used metaphorically. In everyday conversations, it can be used among friends, family, or colleagues who are familiar with the idiom's meaning.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He was forced to walk the plank and confront his fears.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "walk the plank"!' to imply readiness to face a difficult situation.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- take the plunge
- face the challenge
- confront the danger
- brave the storm
- meet the obstacle
Antonyms
- avoid the danger
- escape the situation
- shy away from challenges
- retreat from difficulty
- evade the test
