scuttle Definition
- 1to run with quick, hasty steps
- 2to sink a ship deliberately by opening seacocks or making holes in the hull
- 3a metal container with a lid, used for carrying coal or other fuels
Using scuttle: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "scuttle" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
He scuttled across the room to answer the phone.
Example
The captain ordered the crew to scuttle the ship before it could be captured by the enemy.
Example
She carried the scuttle of coal to the fireplace.
scuttle Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using scuttle
Example
He finally kicked the bucket after a long illness.
scuttle one's chances
to ruin one's chances of success
Example
His careless mistake scuttled his chances of getting the job.
Example
The thief scuttled into the shadows when he heard the police siren.
Phrases with scuttle
gossip or rumors
Example
I heard some scuttlebutt about layoffs at the company.
Example
He scuttled off when he saw the police coming.
Example
She scuttled down the ladder to the basement.
Origins of scuttle
from Middle English 'skottel', meaning 'dish, platter'
Summary: scuttle in Brief
The term 'scuttle' [skʌtl] can be used as a verb to describe quick, hasty steps, or sinking a ship deliberately. As a noun, it refers to a metal container with a lid, used for carrying coal or other fuels. It has phrases like 'scuttlebutt,' meaning gossip or rumors, and idioms like 'kick the bucket,' meaning to die, and 'scuttle one's chances,' meaning to ruin one's chances of success.
