Ankle-deep is a phrase that is commonly used to describe the depth of water or any other liquid, where it is shallow enough to reach only up to the ankles. This phrase is often used to describe the depth of water in a river, stream, or any other body of water.
Definitions
Ankle-deep is a term used to describe the depth of water or any other liquid that reaches only up to the ankles. It is a measurement of the depth of water, where the water level is shallow enough to be easily walked through.
Origin
The origin of the phrase ankle-deep can be traced back to the English language. The word “ankle” refers to the joint between the foot and the leg, and “deep” refers to the extent to which something is submerged in a liquid.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, ankle-deep means “reaching up to the ankles, as a liquid or other substance.” Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines it as “deep enough to reach the ankles.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines ankle-deep as “deep enough to reach the ankles, but no deeper.”
Associations
The phrase ankle-deep is often associated with water, especially in rivers, streams, and other bodies of water. It is also associated with walking, as it is a measurement of the depth of water that can be easily walked through.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of ankle-deep include shallow, knee-deep, waist-deep, and hip-deep.
Antonyms
Antonyms of ankle-deep include deep, submerged, and inundated.
The same root words
The root words of ankle-deep are ankle and deep.
Example Sentences
- The river was ankle-deep, so we could easily walk across it.
- The water in the pool was only ankle-deep, so it was safe for children to play in.
- The mud was ankle-deep, making it difficult to walk through.
- The stream was ankle-deep, and we could see the pebbles at the bottom.
- The floodwaters were waist-deep, making it difficult for people to move around.