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B1 Noun, Verb #33 le plus courant 11 min de lecture

bolts

Top 33

At the A1 level, you can think of bolts in two very simple ways. First, as a noun, bolts are small metal things you use to fix furniture or toys. They look like big screws but usually have a flat end. You use them with a 'nut' to hold things together. For example, 'The chair has four bolts.' Second, as a verb, bolts means to run away very fast because you are scared. Imagine a cat that hears a loud noise and runs away quickly—the cat bolts. You can also use it for a person: 'He bolts out of the room.' It is a word about being fast and sudden. You might also see it in pictures of storms as 'lightning bolts.' Just remember: bolts are for fixing things or for running away very fast.

At the A2 level, you should know that bolts has more specific uses. As a noun, it's not just any metal part; it's a fastener that needs a nut to work. You will see this word in instructions for building things like a bicycle or a desk. As a verb, bolts is used when someone or something moves suddenly. For example, 'The dog bolts when it sees a squirrel.' You can also use it to describe eating very fast: 'He bolts down his breakfast because he is late for school.' This means he eats so fast he almost doesn't chew. Another use is for security: 'She bolts the door at night.' This means she uses a metal bar to lock the door. So, bolts can be a thing (hardware), a fast movement (running or eating), or a way to lock a door.

At the B1 level, you can use bolts in more complex sentences and understand its different shades of meaning. You should distinguish between a 'bolt' and a 'screw' in technical contexts. You also know the common idiom 'nuts and bolts,' which refers to the basic, practical details of how something works. For example, 'I understand the theory, but I need to learn the nuts and bolts of the job.' As a verb, bolts describes a sudden, often reflexive action. If a horse bolts, it is out of control. If a person bolts from a room, they are likely upset or in a huge hurry. You might also hear about 'lightning bolts' in weather reports or see 'bolts of fabric' in a craft store. This level requires you to choose the right meaning based on the situation, whether it's mechanical, behavioral, or descriptive.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using bolts in professional and descriptive writing. You understand that as a verb, 'to bolt' can also mean to suddenly leave a political party or a group because of a disagreement. This is a common term in political journalism. You are also familiar with the phrase 'a bolt from the blue,' which describes a sudden, unexpected event. In technical descriptions, you can use bolts accurately, perhaps specifying the type, like 'expansion bolts' or 'anchor bolts.' You also recognize the nuances of 'bolting down' food versus simply 'eating quickly,' noting the slightly negative or hurried connotation. Your vocabulary is rich enough to use bolts to add vivid detail to your stories, such as 'The prisoner bolts toward the fence,' which creates more tension than simply saying 'The prisoner runs.'

At the C1 level, you have a nuanced grasp of bolts and its various idiomatic and technical applications. You can use it metaphorically to describe a sudden realization or a sharp change in direction. You understand the historical and industrial context of 'bolts of fabric' and how it relates to mass production. In literature, you recognize how authors use the verb 'to bolt' to characterize a person's nervous or impulsive nature. You are also aware of the botanical meaning: when a plant 'bolts,' it grows too quickly and goes to seed, usually making it inedible (common with lettuce or basil). This specialized knowledge allows you to use the word in diverse fields, from gardening to political science. Your use of the word is precise, and you can explain the subtle differences between bolts and other similar terms like 'sprints' or 'fastens' with ease.

At the C2 level, your mastery of bolts is complete, encompassing its most obscure and specialized meanings. You can use it with poetic flair, perhaps describing the 'jagged bolts of inspiration' that strike a writer. You are familiar with the etymology of the word, tracing it back to its roots as a projectile (like a crossbow bolt) and understanding how that led to the modern meanings of both the fastener and the sudden movement. You can engage in highly technical discussions about engineering specifications involving different grades of bolts (e.g., Grade 8 vs. Grade 5) and their shear strength. You also understand the legal and political nuances of 'bolting' in a parliamentary context. Your ability to use bolts is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker, and you can use it to convey subtle irony, dramatic tension, or technical precision in any communicative situation.

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

bolts en 30 secondes

A mechanical fastener used with a nut to hold structures together firmly and securely.
A sudden, rapid movement or escape, often triggered by fear or an unexpected event.
A flash of lightning or a large roll of fabric used in the textile industry.
The act of locking a door with a sliding bar or eating food very quickly.

The word bolts is a versatile English term that functions as both a noun and a verb, carrying several distinct meanings depending on the context in which it is used. At its most basic level as a noun, it refers to mechanical fasteners. These are typically metal pins or rods with a head at one end and a screw thread at the other, designed to be used with a nut to hold objects together. This sense of the word is ubiquitous in engineering, construction, and DIY projects. When you look at a bridge, a car engine, or even a piece of flat-pack furniture, you are seeing the essential role that bolts play in maintaining structural integrity.

Mechanical Context: In the world of hardware, bolts are the heavy-duty cousins of screws, requiring a pre-drilled hole and a matching nut to create a high-tension connection.

Beyond the physical hardware, the noun also describes a sudden flash of lightning. A 'bolt of lightning' evokes the image of a jagged, powerful strike from the sky, emphasizing speed and suddenness. This leads us to the third noun usage: a 'bolt' of fabric. In the textile industry, this refers to a large roll of cloth, usually 40 to 100 yards long, wrapped around a central cardboard core.

The mechanic tightened the bolts on the wheel to ensure the car was safe for the race.

As a verb, bolts describes an action that is almost always rapid and unexpected. When a person or an animal bolts, they run away suddenly, often because they are frightened or startled. For example, a horse might bolt if it hears a loud noise. Another common verbal use is 'to bolt down' food, which means to eat very quickly, swallowing large pieces without much chewing. This is often seen in informal contexts or when someone is in a great rush. Finally, to bolt a door means to lock it by sliding a metal bar into a socket. This is a very specific type of securing action, different from turning a key in a deadbolt.

She bolts the front gate every night before going to bed for extra security.

Understanding these varied uses is crucial for B1 learners, as the word appears in everything from weather reports to cooking instructions and hardware manuals.

Metaphorical Usage: The phrase 'a bolt from the blue' uses the lightning imagery to describe a complete surprise or an unexpected event that changes everything.

The news of the company's closure came as a bolt from the blue to all the employees.

The frightened cat bolts under the sofa whenever the doorbell rings.

Textile Usage: Fashion designers often buy entire bolts of silk to ensure they have enough consistent material for a collection.

The carpenter needed four more steel bolts to finish the deck.

In summary, whether you are talking about fixing a car, watching a storm, sewing a dress, or describing a nervous animal, bolts is a high-frequency word that bridges the gap between technical terminology and everyday descriptive language.

Using the word bolts correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical role as either a plural noun or a third-person singular verb. When functioning as a noun in the mechanical sense, it is often paired with the word 'nuts.' The phrase 'nuts and bolts' is so common that it has become an idiom meaning the basic practical details of a subject. For example, 'Let's get down to the nuts and bolts of the project' means focusing on the fundamental components.

Plural Noun Usage: The shelf collapsed because the bolts were not tightened properly during assembly.

When using bolts as a verb to describe movement, it is intransitive, meaning it does not require a direct object. You would say 'The rabbit bolts,' rather than 'The rabbit bolts the field.' However, when used to describe eating, it is often followed by the preposition 'down' and a direct object: 'He bolts down his breakfast before running to the bus stop.'

Every time there is a thunderstorm, the dog bolts for the basement to hide.

In the context of security, bolts acts as a transitive verb. You bolt something (the door, the window, the gate). 'He bolts the door from the inside' is a clear, active sentence.

The lightning bolts across the sky, illuminating the entire valley for a split second.

Idiomatic Sentence: If the candidate bolts from the party, it will cause a major political scandal.

In this idiomatic sense, 'to bolt' means to suddenly leave a political party or group. This is a more advanced usage but follows the same logic of sudden, unexpected departure.

The factory worker sorted the bolts by size into different plastic bins.

He bolts his bicycle to the rack using a heavy U-lock every morning.

Fabric Context: The tailor ordered three bolts of navy blue wool to make the suits for the wedding party.

The prisoner bolts for the exit the moment the guard turns his back.

By practicing these different structures, you can master the flexibility of bolts and use it naturally in both technical and descriptive English.

You will encounter the word bolts in a surprising variety of real-world settings. If you are watching a home improvement show on television, the host will frequently mention bolts when discussing the assembly of structures like decks, pergolas, or kitchen cabinets. In this environment, the focus is on the physical hardware and the importance of using the correct size and material (like stainless steel or galvanized bolts) for the job.

Home Improvement: 'Make sure those carriage bolts are flush with the wood so nobody trips on them.'

In a news broadcast during a storm, a meteorologist might describe 'multiple bolts of lightning' striking a specific area. This usage is dramatic and visual. Similarly, in sports commentary, particularly in horse racing or track and field, you might hear that an athlete or a horse 'bolts from the starting gate.' This emphasizes an explosive, fast start.

The commentator shouted, 'And he bolts ahead of the pack in the final hundred meters!'

In a more domestic or casual setting, a parent might complain that their teenager 'bolts down' their dinner just to get back to playing video games. This highlights the 'eating quickly' meaning in a relatable way.

The detective noticed that the bolts on the window had been tampered with from the outside.

Technical Manuals: 'Step 4: Insert the M8 bolts through the mounting bracket and tighten with a 13mm wrench.'

You will also find the word in the world of fashion and retail. If you visit a fabric store, you will see rows of bolts standing on shelves. A clerk might ask, 'How many bolts of this linen do we have in the warehouse?'

The storm chaser captured a photo of three simultaneous bolts hitting the tower.

She bolts the door every night, a habit she developed living in the city.

Nature Documentaries: 'The gazelle bolts the moment it catches the scent of the lion hiding in the tall grass.'

He bolts down a glass of water after his long run in the heat.

From the hardware store to the great outdoors, 'bolts' is a word that captures both the strength of steel and the speed of a sudden escape.

One of the most common mistakes learners make with bolts is confusing it with 'screws.' While they look similar, a screw is usually pointed and creates its own thread in a material like wood, whereas a bolt is typically blunt-ended and requires a nut or a pre-threaded hole to function. Using 'screw' when you mean 'bolt' can lead to confusion in technical or repair situations.

Technical Distinction: Mistake: 'I need to screw this nut onto the screw.' Correct: 'I need to screw this nut onto the bolt.'

Another frequent error involves the verb form. Because bolts implies a very specific kind of fast movement—usually motivated by fear or a desire to escape—it shouldn't be used as a simple synonym for 'runs.' You wouldn't say 'I bolt to the park for exercise' because 'bolt' implies a sudden, uncontrolled dash. It's better to use 'sprints' or 'runs' for intentional exercise.

Incorrect: The athlete bolts every morning to stay fit. Correct: The athlete runs every morning to stay fit.

Learners also sometimes struggle with the preposition when talking about eating. While you can say 'He bolts his food,' it is much more natural and common to say 'He bolts down his food.' Omitting the 'down' can make the sentence feel slightly incomplete to a native speaker.

He bolts down his lunch in five minutes so he can finish his work.

Plural vs. Singular Verb: Mistake: 'The horses bolts when they hear thunder.' Correct: 'The horse bolts...' or 'The horses bolt...'

Finally, be careful with the 'bolt a door' meaning. It specifically refers to the sliding bar mechanism. If you use a key to lock a door, you shouldn't say you are 'bolting' it unless the lock itself is a deadbolt that you are engaging.

She bolts the door from the inside for safety, then turns the key in the lock.

The mechanic realized he was missing two bolts to secure the engine mount.

Spelling Note: Ensure you don't spell it 'boult,' which is an archaic spelling meaning to sift flour, rarely used today.

The rabbit bolts into its burrow as soon as it sees the hawk circling above.

Avoiding these common pitfalls will help you use 'bolts' with the precision of a native speaker.

To truly master the word bolts, it is helpful to compare it with its synonyms and related terms. In the mechanical sense, 'fasteners' is a broader category that includes bolts, screws, rivets, and nails. If you want to be less specific, you can use 'hardware.'

Hardware Comparison: A bolt is used with a nut; a screw is used alone; a rivet is permanent and deformed to fit.

When using bolts as a verb for running, alternatives include 'dashes,' 'sprints,' 'flees,' or 'scampers.' 'Dashes' implies a short, quick run; 'sprints' implies maximum speed; 'flees' implies running away from danger; and 'scampers' is often used for small animals like squirrels.

Instead of saying the dog bolts, you could say it 'flees' if it is running from a threat.

For the 'eating quickly' meaning, synonyms include 'devours,' 'gulps,' 'wolfs down,' or 'gorges.' 'Wolfs down' is particularly close in tone to 'bolts down,' suggesting a ravenous or hurried manner of eating.

He bolts his meal so he doesn't miss the start of the movie.

In the context of locking a door, 'secures,' 'latches,' or 'fastens' are good alternatives. 'Latches' specifically refers to a spring-loaded mechanism, while 'bolts' implies the more solid sliding bar.

Lightning Terms: 'Flash' is a general term for the light; 'bolt' refers to the specific discharge path; 'strike' refers to the impact on the ground.

The tailor chose a bolt of silk, but 'roll' would also be understood in a less technical context.

The thief bolts when he hears the police sirens in the distance.

Fabric Alternatives: While 'bolt' is the industry standard, 'roll' or 'ream' (though ream is usually for paper) are sometimes used by laypeople.

The engineer specified that only high-tensile bolts should be used for the crane assembly.

Understanding these nuances allows you to choose the most precise word for your intended meaning, making your English sound more sophisticated and natural.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

Neutre

Informel

Child friendly

Argot

Le savais-tu ?

The meaning of 'sudden movement' comes from the idea of an arrow being shot from a bow.

Guide de prononciation

UK /bəʊlts/

US /boʊlts/

Single syllable, so the stress is on the entire word.

Rime avec

jolts volts colts molts results insults consults adults

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 'o' like the 'o' in 'hot' (should be long).
Missing the 'l' sound entirely.
Confusing the 'ts' ending with 'ds'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

Easy to recognize but has multiple meanings.

Écriture 4/5

Requires knowledge of prepositions like 'down'.

Expression orale 3/5

Common in idioms and daily descriptions.

Écoute 3/5

Clear pronunciation but context is vital.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

fasten run metal lock quick

Apprends ensuite

fastener rivet sprint accelerate secure

Avancé

tensile strength defection botanical bolting galvanized

Grammaire à connaître

Third-person singular -s

He bolts (singular) vs. They bolt (plural).

Phrasal verbs

'Bolt down' changes the meaning to eating quickly.

Transitive vs. Intransitive

'He bolts the door' (transitive) vs. 'He bolts away' (intransitive).

Compound nouns

Using 'deadbolt' as a single word for a specific lock.

Idiomatic usage

'Nuts and bolts' functions as a plural noun phrase.

Exemples par niveau

The chair has four metal bolts.

La chaise a quatre boulons métalliques.

Plural noun.

The cat bolts when it hears a dog.

Le chat s'enfuit quand il entend un chien.

Third-person singular verb.

I see bolts of lightning in the sky.

Je vois des éclairs dans le ciel.

Plural noun.

He bolts the door at night.

Il verrouille la porte la nuit.

Third-person singular verb.

The boy bolts down his milk.

Le garçon boit son lait très vite.

Verb + 'down'.

We need more bolts for the table.

Nous avons besoin de plus de boulons pour la table.

Plural noun.

The horse bolts into the field.

Le cheval s'élance dans le champ.

Intransitive verb.

She finds two bolts in the box.

Elle trouve deux boulons dans la boîte.

Plural noun.

The mechanic tightened all the bolts on the car.

Le mécanicien a serré tous les boulons de la voiture.

Plural noun.

The rabbit bolts when it sees the fox.

Le lapin s'enfuit quand il voit le renard.

Third-person singular verb.

He bolts down his lunch to go play.

Il engloutit son déjeuner pour aller jouer.

Verb phrase 'bolts down'.

Please bolt the gate so the dog stays inside.

S'il vous plaît, verrouillez le portail pour que le chien reste à l'intérieur.

Imperative verb.

The storm had many bright bolts of lightning.

L'orage avait de nombreux éclairs brillants.

Plural noun.

The shop sells bolts of colorful fabric.

Le magasin vend des rouleaux de tissu coloré.

Plural noun.

The thief bolts when the alarm goes off.

Le voleur s'enfuit quand l'alarme se déclenche.

Third-person singular verb.

Check if the bolts are loose on your bike.

Vérifiez si les boulons sont desserrés sur votre vélo.

Plural noun.

Let's discuss the nuts and bolts of the new plan.

Discutons des détails pratiques du nouveau plan.

Idiomatic noun phrase.

The frightened deer bolts into the thick forest.

Le cerf effrayé s'élance dans la forêt dense.

Third-person singular verb.

He bolts his breakfast every single morning.

Il engloutit son petit-déjeuner chaque matin.

Transitive verb.

The heavy door bolts from the inside for safety.

La porte lourde se verrouille de l'intérieur pour la sécurité.

Third-person singular verb.

A bolt of lightning struck the old oak tree.

Un éclair a frappé le vieux chêne.

Singular noun.

The tailor needs three bolts of silk for the dresses.

Le tailleur a besoin de trois rouleaux de soie pour les robes.

Plural noun.

The news came as a bolt from the blue.

La nouvelle est tombée comme un coup de tonnerre.

Idiomatic expression.

He bolts the lid onto the container securely.

Il boulonne solidement le couvercle sur le récipient.

Transitive verb.

The politician bolts from the party after the scandal.

Le politicien quitte brusquement le parti après le scandale.

Intransitive verb (idiomatic).

The engineer specified high-strength bolts for the bridge.

L'ingénieur a spécifié des boulons à haute résistance pour le pont.

Plural noun.

The lettuce bolts quickly in the summer heat.

La laitue monte vite en graine sous la chaleur de l'été.

Intransitive verb (botanical).

She bolts the window shut as the storm approaches.

Elle verrouille la fenêtre alors que l'orage approche.

Transitive verb.

The prisoner bolts for the exit during the confusion.

Le prisonnier s'élance vers la sortie pendant la confusion.

Intransitive verb.

The engine is held together by hundreds of bolts.

Le moteur est maintenu par des centaines de boulons.

Plural noun.

He bolts down his coffee and rushes to the meeting.

Il engloutit son café et se précipite à la réunion.

Transitive verb phrase.

The sudden bolt of inspiration changed his career.

Le soudain éclair d'inspiration a changé sa carrière.

Singular noun (metaphorical).

The dissident bolts from the coalition over policy differences.

Le dissident quitte la coalition pour des divergences de politique.

Intransitive verb.

The structure failed because the bolts suffered from fatigue.

La structure a échoué parce que les boulons ont souffert de fatigue.

Plural noun (technical).

The spinach bolts if the soil temperature rises too high.

L'épinard monte en graine si la température du sol monte trop haut.

Intransitive verb.

He bolts the heavy iron gate against the intruders.

Il verrouille la lourde porte de fer contre les intrus.

Transitive verb.

The fabric was sold in bolts to the garment factory.

Le tissu a été vendu en rouleaux à l'usine de vêtements.

Plural noun.

The athlete bolts from the blocks with incredible power.

L'athlète s'élance des starting-blocks avec une puissance incroyable.

Intransitive verb.

A bolt of lightning illuminated the mountain range.

Un éclair a illuminé la chaîne de montagnes.

Singular noun.

The project's nuts and bolts were meticulously planned.

Les détails pratiques du projet ont été méticuleusement planifiés.

Idiomatic noun phrase.

The senator's decision to bolt the party stunned the nation.

La décision du sénateur de quitter le parti a stupéfié la nation.

Infinitive verb.

The shear strength of the bolts was insufficient for the load.

La résistance au cisaillement des boulons était insuffisante pour la charge.

Plural noun (engineering).

The coriander bolts prematurely in unseasonably warm weather.

La coriandre monte en graine prématurément par un temps anormalement chaud.

Intransitive verb.

He bolts his dinner in a frantic effort to catch the train.

Il engloutit son dîner dans un effort frénétique pour attraper le train.

Transitive verb.

The jagged bolts of lightning danced across the horizon.

Les éclairs dentelés dansaient à l'horizon.

Plural noun.

She bolts the heavy oak door, sealing herself inside.

Elle verrouille la lourde porte en chêne, s'enfermant à l'intérieur.

Transitive verb.

The warehouse was stacked with hundreds of bolts of vintage lace.

L'entrepôt était rempli de centaines de rouleaux de dentelle vintage.

Plural noun.

The sudden bolt of realization hit him with visceral force.

Le soudain éclair de réalisation l'a frappé avec une force viscérale.

Singular noun (metaphorical).

Collocations courantes

nuts and bolts

bolt of lightning

bolt down food

bolt the door

bolt of fabric

expansion bolts

bolt from the blue

carriage bolts

bolt upright

deadbolt lock

Phrases Courantes

Nuts and bolts

A bolt from the blue

Bolt upright

Bolt down

Make a bolt for it

Bolt the door

Lightning bolts

Bolt of cloth

Anchor bolts

Bolt from a party

Souvent confondu avec

bolts vs screws

Screws are pointed; bolts are blunt and use nuts.

bolts vs jolts

Jolts are sudden shakes; bolts are sudden runs.

bolts vs darts

Darts is a game or a small quick movement; bolts is more explosive.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Nuts and bolts"

The fundamental practical aspects of a situation or task.

He explained the nuts and bolts of how the engine works.

Neutral

"A bolt from the blue"

Something totally unexpected and surprising.

Her sudden departure was a bolt from the blue.

Neutral

"Bolt upright"

To sit or stand very straight and stiffly, usually because of a shock.

The noise made her sit bolt upright.

Neutral

"Make a bolt for it"

To run away suddenly in an attempt to escape.

As soon as the gate opened, the dog made a bolt for it.

Informal

"Bolt the stable door after the horse has bolted"

To take precautions after the damage is already done.

Changing the locks now is just bolting the stable door after the horse has bolted.

Neutral

"Like a bolt of lightning"

Extremely fast or sudden.

The idea came to him like a bolt of lightning.

Neutral

"Bolt from the blue"

A sudden, unexpected event.

The company's bankruptcy was a bolt from the blue.

Neutral

"Nuts and bolts"

The essential parts of something.

Let's get down to the nuts and bolts of the problem.

Neutral

"Bolt down"

To consume food with great speed.

He bolts down his dinner every night.

Informal

"Bolt out"

To leave a place very quickly.

He bolted out of the office at 5 PM.

Informal

Facile à confondre

bolts vs screw

Both are fasteners.

A screw is self-tapping; a bolt requires a nut.

Use a bolt for the heavy beam.

bolts vs jolt

Both imply suddenness.

A jolt is a physical shock; a bolt is a movement or fastener.

The car gave a jolt.

bolts vs sprint

Both mean running fast.

A sprint is a planned race; a bolt is a sudden escape.

The deer bolts away.

bolts vs latch

Both are door locks.

A latch is a spring lock; a bolt is a sliding bar.

Slide the bolt across.

bolts vs rivet

Both are permanent fasteners.

A rivet is hammered flat; a bolt is screwed into a nut.

The airplane skin is held by rivets.

Structures de phrases

The [noun] has [number] bolts.

The table has six bolts.

[Subject] bolts when [event].

The cat bolts when it hears a car.

He bolts down his [meal].

He bolts down his lunch.

The nuts and bolts of [topic].

The nuts and bolts of the project.

A bolt of [noun] struck [object].

A bolt of lightning struck the tower.

[Subject] bolts the [object] shut.

She bolts the window shut.

[Subject] bolts from the [group].

The member bolts from the committee.

The [plant] bolts due to [cause].

The cilantro bolts due to the heatwave.

Famille de mots

Noms

Verbes

Adjectifs

Apparenté

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Common in both spoken and written English.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'bolt' for a screw. → Use 'bolt' only when a nut is involved.
Bolts and screws are different mechanical parts.
Saying 'He bolts to the gym.' → Say 'He runs to the gym.'
'Bolt' implies a sudden, unplanned escape or dash.
Omitting 'down' in 'He bolts his food.' → He bolts down his food.
'Bolt down' is the standard phrasal verb for eating quickly.
Confusing 'bolt' with 'jolt'. → The horse bolts; the car jolts.
A jolt is a shake; a bolt is a run.
Using 'bolt' for any lock. → Use 'bolt' for sliding locks specifically.
Not all locks are bolts.

Astuces

Technical Precision

In a workshop, always ask for 'bolts' if you have a nut, and 'screws' if you don't.

Practical Details

Use 'nuts and bolts' when you want to talk about the 'how-to' of a project.

Sudden Action

Use 'bolts' to describe a pet running away when it's scared.

Phrasal Verb

Remember to add 'down' when talking about eating quickly: 'He bolts down his food.'

Descriptive Power

Use 'bolts of lightning' to make your weather descriptions more vivid.

Home Safety

Differentiate between 'locking' (with a key) and 'bolting' (with a sliding bar).

Fabric Shopping

If you need a lot of fabric, ask the shopkeeper for a 'full bolt'.

Plant Care

Keep your lettuce cool to prevent it from 'bolting' and becoming bitter.

Political Terms

In news, 'bolting' means a politician is leaving their party unexpectedly.

Vowel Sound

Make sure the 'o' in bolts sounds like 'old', not 'odd'.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

B.O.L.T.S.: Big Objects Locked Tight Securely (for the fastener) or Better Off Leaving To Safety (for the running).

Association visuelle

Imagine a lightning bolt shaped like a giant metal bolt hitting a door that is being bolted shut.

Word Web

hardware lightning escape fabric fasten speed lock nut

Défi

Try to write a paragraph using 'bolts' in three different ways: as a fastener, a movement, and a lock.

Origine du mot

Derived from the Old English 'bolt', which referred to a short, heavy arrow or projectile for a crossbow.

Sens originel : A projectile or arrow.

Germanic

Contexte culturel

No major sensitivities, but 'bolting' food can be seen as impolite in formal dining.

The term is widely used in both technical trades and everyday metaphors.

Usain Bolt (the fastest man) Harry Potter's lightning bolt scar Frankenstein's monster (often depicted with bolts in his neck)

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Construction

tighten the bolts
loose bolts
steel bolts
bolt the frame

Weather

bolt of lightning
lightning bolts
struck by a bolt
jagged bolts

Animals

the horse bolts
the rabbit bolts
bolted away
startled and bolted

Dining

bolt down food
don't bolt your meal
bolted his coffee
bolting breakfast

Security

bolt the door
sliding bolt
deadbolt lock
bolt the gate

Amorces de conversation

"Have you ever seen a bolt of lightning strike something nearby?"

"Do you prefer using a deadbolt or a regular lock for your home?"

"What are the nuts and bolts of your current job or studies?"

"Do you ever find yourself bolting down your food when you're busy?"

"Have you ever seen an animal bolt because it was scared?"

Sujets d'écriture

Describe a time when you had to 'bolt' from a situation. What happened?

Write about the 'nuts and bolts' of a hobby you are passionate about.

Describe a powerful storm you witnessed, focusing on the lightning bolts.

How do you feel about the phrase 'a bolt from the blue'? Has anything like that happened to you?

Explain the importance of securing your home with bolts and locks.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

A bolt is a fastener that usually goes through a hole and is secured with a nut on the other side. A screw is usually pointed and creates its own thread as it is turned into a material like wood or plastic.

Yes, but it usually implies they are running away suddenly, often because they are scared or in a rush. It's not usually used for planned running like exercise.

It is an idiom that refers to the basic, practical, and essential details of how something works or how a task is performed.

It is a full roll of cloth as it is sold from a factory or wholesaler, typically wrapped around a flat cardboard core.

Not necessarily. It just means you are eating it very quickly, often because you are in a hurry, not necessarily because you are enjoying it.

In gardening, it means the plant has grown very quickly and started to produce seeds, which often makes the leaves taste bitter and the plant less useful for eating.

It can be used informally to mean 'to leave quickly,' but it is a standard English word with many formal and technical meanings.

A deadbolt is a type of door lock that is moved by turning a knob or key without the use of a spring, making it much harder to force open than a standard latch.

You usually say 'a bolt of lightning' or 'lightning bolts.' For example: 'A bolt of lightning lit up the night sky.'

It is mostly used as a noun or verb, but 'bolted' can be an adjective, as in 'a bolted door' or 'a bolted-down table.'