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Glite Dictionary
steep switchback

steep switchback

7.1
A sharp bend in a road on a very sloping hill that helps vehicles go up or down safely
  • noun
  • /stiːp ˈswɪtʃbæk/
  • US
translation icon : curva cerrada
  • The road was full of steep switchbacks through the mountains.

Examples

  • A sudden rainstorm made the steep switchback especially slippery and hazardous.

  • Driving up the steep switchback required careful steering and low gear.

  • The hikers slowed down as they encountered a steep switchback on the mountain trail.

  • We carefully navigated the steep switchback on our hike.

  • While hiking to the summit, we encountered numerous steep switchbacks that helped us navigate the challenging terrain.

  • The mountain road is famous for its steep switchbacks, making it both thrilling and scenic for drivers.

  • As we drove, the steep switchbacks along the cliff offered breathtaking views of the valley below.

Synonyms

switchback
vssteep switchback
4 6.4

A path or road that zigzags up a steep slope with sharp turns

is a single abrupt turn used to allow safer ascent or descent on slopes
hairpin bend
vssteep switchback
  • UK
1 3.7

A very sharp U-shaped turn on a steep mountain road

is a much more abrupt angled turn rather than a smooth U shaped curve

Antonyms

straight
∞ 1.0

In a direct line without turning

gentle
27 1.0

Not steep and rising slowly

How Sharp

hairpin bend
  • UK
1 3.7
steep switchback
  • US
7.1
switchback
4 6.4
to bend
268 1.0
to curve
22 2.8

Surface Forms

steep switchback singular
steep switchbacks plural

Morphology

steep + switchback

The phrase is directly compositional: 'steep' modifies 'switchback', and 'switchback' denotes a zigzagging bend in a road or path. A B1 learner who knows both constituents can readily infer 'a very steep zigzag/bend on a slope,' since the meaning is literal and follows a standard adjective + noun pattern. The concept is also cross-linguistically common, reinforcing its predictability.

Etymology

Steep switchback names a sharp bend on a very steep hill. The word steep shows the big slope and the switchback is a turn that 'switches back' so cars and hikers can 'go up' or 'go down' more safely, which is why it means a sudden, tight bend on a steep slope.