sandbag
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈsændˌbæɡ/
KK: /ˈsændˌbæɡ/
noun
Definition
A bag that is filled with sand, often used for building protective walls, as a weight, or sometimes as a weapon.
Example
The workers used sandbags to create a barrier against the rising water.
Conversation
Have you ever seen a sandbag used in a construction project?
Yeah, I saw them using sandbags to build a temporary wall last week.
That's interesting! I thought they were only used in emergencies.
They are, but they're also really useful for stabilizing structures.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
sack
bag
pouch
Antonyms
lightweight
feather
air
transitive verb
Definition
To coerce or force someone to do something, often in a harsh or unfair way.
Example
They tried to sandbag me into doing their work for them.
Tense Forms
Past: sandbagged
Past Participle: sandbagged
Conversation
Did you hear how they tried to sandbag us into doing their project?
Yeah, that was so unfair!
I can't believe they thought we would just go along with it.
Root Explanation
Sandbag → The word is formed from "sand" (from Old English *sand*, meaning loose granular material) and "bag" (from Old Norse *baggi*, meaning a sack or pouch). A sandbag is literally a bag filled with sand, often used for various purposes such as flood control or as a weight.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'bag' that is 'filled with sand' — that's what a sandbag is, a bag containing loose granular material.
Visually Confused Words
handbag
standage