Hinge
/hɪndʒ/
A hinge is either a physical joint that allows swinging movement or a metaphorical point on which something crucially depends.
Examples
- This policy could hinge the future of the company.
- The entire argument hinged on a single assumption.
- Their relationship hinged on mutual trust.
- Success hinges on proper planning and execution.
- The door won't close because one of the hinges is loose.
Meanings
The word hinge comes from the Old English hengan, meaning 'to hang'. Over time, it evolved to refer not just to the act of hanging, but to the physical pivot point that enables swinging motion. The modern mechanical sense emerged in the 15th century.
Examples
- The door won't close because one of the hinges is loose.
- She hinged the lid carefully so it would open smoothly.
- They hinged the decision on the latest economic data.
- The robot arm moves on a precision hinge.
- He fixed the gate by replacing the rusted hinges.
By the 1600s, hinge began to be used figuratively to describe a central point upon which events or decisions turn, drawing a parallel to how a door turns on its physical hinge.
Examples
- The trial hinged on the credibility of the main witness.
- Success hinges on proper planning and execution.
- Their relationship hinged on mutual trust.
- The entire argument hinged on a single assumption.
- This policy could hinge the future of the company.