Make Your Point > Archived Issues > LINCHPIN

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explore the archives: To talk about an essential component of anything, we can use metaphors involving transportation or architecture: a linchpin keeps the wheel on the axle or, figuratively, keeps everything rolling along, much like a k_______ keeps all the other stones in place or, figuratively, keeps everything together.  make your point with... "LINCHPIN" A literal linchpin is a pin or peg that keeps a wheel attached to its axle. A figurative linchpin is a very important part of something. Pronunciation: LINCH pin Part of speech: Countable noun. (Countable nouns, like "bottle," "piece," and "decision," are words for things that can be broken into exact units. You talk about "a bottle," "three pieces," and "many decisions." Likewise, talk about one linchpin or multiple linchpins.) Other forms: None, but some people use it loosely as an adjective: "the linchpin policy," "this linchpin issue." How to use it: A linchpin is sometimes a person: "She's the linchpin in her group of friends." Usually, though, a linchpin is a thing: "Merchandise is the linchpin of the filmmaker's financial success." More specifically, a linchpin is often an abstract thing, like a concept, a quality, a process, or a principle: "kindness is the linchpin of his argument," "one-on-one lessons are the linchpin of our success," "tolerating differences and diversity is the linchpin of our democracy."  You usually call something the linchpin of something else, but you can also have a linchpin in a situation or a linchpin for someone or something. examples: The linchpin of his argument is our need to reduce the national debt, but for many listeners that goal is abstract, even negligible. Accurate observation isn't a footnote in the scientific method; it's a linchpin. study it now: Look away from the screen to explain the definition in your own words. You’ll know you understand what "linchpin" means when you can explain it without saying "essential component" or "vital thing." try it out: What's the key element in your next big dream, goal, project, or plan? Fill in the blank: "I need to get the linchpin in place: _____." Example: "We need to get the linchpin in place: the discipline to start cooking a meal before we're already hungry." before you review: Spend at least 20 seconds occupying your mind with the game below. Then try the review questions. Don’t go straight to the review now—let your working memory empty out first. This month, we're playing with KWIKORD, an addictive, challenging new word game for solo or group play, created by Wayne Ellice.  We're dipping our toes into the game this month, trying some simple challenges first and working our way toward harder tasks. (Check out my interview with the game's creator here, and order your own copy of the full version of KWIKORD here.) You'll see a sample answer to each puzzle the following day. Enjoy! Yesterday, you took the letters DLMSAEIU and arranged them into as many 2-, 3-, or 4-letter words as possible within a 4x4 grid. Many solutions were possible. Here are two: Try that again today with the letters BLRTAEEO. Draw three vertical and three horizontal lines on some scrap paper, and go for it! review today's word: 1. The closest opposite of LINCHPIN is A. DETRITUS B. ELEVATION C. SUPPLEMENT 2. By cancelling the traditional Nutcracker shows, they've _____ the linchpin of the winter season. A. removed B. cooled C. compromised Answers are below. a final word: To be a sponsor and include your ad in an issue, please contact Liesl at Liesl@HiloTutor.com Disclaimer: Word meanings presented here are expressed in plain language and are limited to common, useful applications only. Readers interested in authoritative and multiple definitions of words are encouraged to check a dictionary. Likewise, word meanings, usage, and pronunciations are limited to American English; these elements may vary across world Englishes. Answers to review questions: 1. C 2. A