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bolt

bolt

6.3
Someone sits completely upright and very still
  • adverb
  • /boʊlt/
translation icon : erguido
  • During the performance, the dancer stood bolt upright, showcasing her perfect posture.

Examples

  • And and Leonard was just sat bolt upright dressed as Spock, full spot regalia.

  • And and Leonard was just sat bolt upright dressed as Spock, full Spock regalia.

  • The other young girl is wearing Victorian clothing reminiscent of Alice and stands bolt upright in her ripped clothing.

  • She sat bolt upright in bed when she heard the loud noise in the hallway.

  • After the shocking news, he remained bolt upright in his chair, unable to move.

Synonyms

stiffly
vsbolt
25 4.4

In a way that is not relaxed, often because of pain or to seem formal

means fully upright and strictly straight rather than merely formal
rigidly
vsbolt
11 4.3

In a strict way that does not allow change

describes being completely upright and physically straight

Idioms

2 6.5

A sudden event that shocks people and is not expected

1 8.6

To use up all your energy or chances so none remain

6.3

Very suddenly and without warning

To run away quickly, usually because you are afraid

To feel sudden shock or surprise

8.8

To use up all your energy or chances

Compounds

12 3.9

A strong tool with long handles and heavy jaws for cutting metal, like locks or chains

A sudden bright flash in the sky during a storm that often comes before thunder

carriage bolt
  • Specialized
1 6.7

A metal rod with a round head and partial threads used to join wood through a hole

1 2.0

Two metal pieces, a bolt and a matching nut, that hold parts together by screwing

1 6.7

A heavy screw with a large head that joins wood pieces when you turn it with a wrench

toggle bolt
  • Specialized
1 6.9

A metal screw with a spring part that opens inside a hollow wall to hold heavy items

A large ancient weapon that shoots heavy arrows or stones during war

8.6

A hole an animal runs into to hide from danger

6.3

An extra feature you add to a product or system to make it work better

4.8

An extra product you add to an existing system to give it new features

expansion bolt
  • Specialized
5.3

A metal part that spreads inside a hole to hold heavy things to concrete or brick

machine bolt
  • Specialized
4.1

A metal rod with a square or six-sided head and threads that you turn with a wrench

A metal bar on a door that you lock from inside to stop people entering

A metal bar you move to lock a door or gate

A metal bar you slide to lock and unlock a door or gate

stove bolt
  • Specialized
6.8

A small metal piece with a round or flat head that holds metal parts together

How Upright

bolt
6.3
upright
44 2.7
straight
442 1.0
recumbent
1 7.9

Surface Forms

bolt positive

Etymology

The adverb bolt in 'bolt upright' comes from the idea of an arrow: straight and stiff. So being 'bolt upright' means sitting or standing very straight and still.