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cage

[keɪdʒ]

cage Definition

  • 1a structure made of bars or wires, used for confining and displaying birds or animals
  • 2an enclosure for prisoners

Using cage: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "cage" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The lion was pacing back and forth in its cage.

  • Example

    The bird was kept in a small cage.

  • Example

    The prisoners were locked up in their cages.

  • Example

    The circus had a traveling menagerie with exotic animals in cages.

cage Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for cage

Antonyms for cage

Idioms Using cage

  • rattle someone's cage

    to upset or provoke someone

    Example

    His comments really rattled her cage and she stormed out of the room.

  • to take action to prevent something bad from happening after it has already happened

    Example

    The company implemented new security measures after the data breach, but it was like locking the stable door after the horse had bolted.

  • to escape or leave a place, especially one that is confining or unpleasant

    Example

    After months of being stuck at home, she finally decided to fly the coop and take a solo road trip.

Phrases with cage

  • a situation in which someone is trapped by their own wealth or success and cannot escape it

    Example

    She felt like she was living in a golden cage, unable to pursue her true passions.

  • a person who is trapped in a luxurious but confining lifestyle

    Example

    Despite her wealth and status, she felt like a bird in a gilded cage, unable to break free from societal expectations.

  • to restrict someone's freedom or limit their opportunities

    Example

    The strict rules of the school put the students in a cage, preventing them from exploring their creativity.

Origins of cage

from Old French 'cage', from Latin 'cavea', meaning 'hollow place, enclosure'

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Summary: cage in Brief

A 'cage' [keɪdʒ] is a structure made of bars or wires used to confine and display birds or animals, or an enclosure for prisoners. It can also be used figuratively, as in 'golden cage,' to describe a luxurious but confining lifestyle. Idioms like 'rattle someone's cage' and 'lock the stable door after the horse has bolted' use 'cage' metaphorically to describe upsetting or futile situations.

How do native speakers use this expression?