"Cock-crow" Pronounce,Meaning And Examples

"Cock-crow" Natural Recordings by Native Speakers

Cock-crow
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"Cock-crow" Meaning

The phrase "cock-crow" is an idiomatic expression that refers to the early morning hours, usually just before sunrise. It is often used to describe a time of darkness or stealth, and is often associated with dawn breaking or a new beginning. The phrase is derived from the old English habit of taking account of the time by the crowing of the cock (rooster), which typically occurs at the break of dawn.

"Cock-crow" Examples

Usage Examples of "Cock-Crow"


1. Idiomatic Expression

The phrase "cock-crow" is an old-fashioned expression for the sound of a rooster crowing at dawn. In literature and poetry, it's often used to signify the beginning of a new day.

2. Nautical Context

In sailing, "cock-crow" is sometimes used to denote the early morning hours, often between 4:00 AM and 6:00 AM, when sailors would perform tasks or receive orders.

3. Historical Event

The phrase is also associated with historical events, such as the Cock-Crow Rebellion in Scotland during the 17th century. It was a rebellion led by the Cameronians, a group of Highland clansmen, against the English army.

4. Literary Reference

In literature, "cock-crow" is often referenced to describe the hour of dawn or the start of a new day. For example, in Shakespeare's play "Hamlet," the character Hamlet says, "There's a special providence in the fall of a sparrow... and 'tis the cock that croweth at midnight."

5. Colloquialism

In some parts of the English-speaking world, "cock-crow" is used informally to refer to an early morning hour or to describe someone who rises early.
Note: Due to its archaic nature, "cock-crow" might not be commonly used in modern English, but it's still an interesting example of linguistic heritage.

"Cock-crow" Similar Words

Cochleate

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Cochleate refers to a spiral or curl-like shape, typically applied to describe the structure of certain body parts or biological features. In botany, a cochleate leaf is a leaf that curls up or spirals around its length.

Cochleated

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Cochleostomy

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Cochleostomy is a surgical procedure in which an incision is made in the cochlea, the spiral-shaped organ of hearing in the inner ear, to relieve a blockage or to implant a hearing aid, such as a cochlear implant.

Cochliomyia

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Cochliomyia is a genus of flies that belongs to the family Sarcophagidae, commonly known as flesh flies.

Cochrane

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Cochrane refers to a British physician, epidemiologist, and statistician, Sir Archie Cochrane, who is considered the father of evidence-based medicine. Cochranes' name is also used to describe a type of systematic review of randomized controlled trials, also known as Cochrane Reviews, which are considered the gold standard of evidence in healthcare.

Cock-a-doodle-doo

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"Cock-a-doodle-doo" is an onomatopoeic phrase that imitates the sound of a rooster's crowing. It is often used to describe the loud, wake-up call of a rooster, typically at dawn or early morning. It can also be used as an idiomatic expression to hear the sound of a rooster crowing, or to emphasize the loudness of someone's voice or noise.

Cock-a-hoop

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Extremelyhappy or delighted, often to an absurd degree. For example: "She was cock-a-hoop when she got accepted into her dream university." This phrase is thought to have originated from the idea of being hooped or trained to a cock, as in a horse, implying being closely controlled or inhibiting one's natural behavior.

Cock-a-leekie

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Cock-a-leekie is a traditional Scottish soup made with chicken or cockerel (rooster), leeks, potatoes, and sometimes pearl barley. The name "cock-a-leekie" comes from the combination of the Scottish Gaelic "còck" meaning "rooster" and "leekie" meaning "leek or leeks". The dish is typically served during the winter months and is often flavored with onions, garlic, and spices.

Cock-eyed

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The word "cock-eyed" is a slang or informal expression, but it has a few different meanings depending on the context. Here are a few possible explanations:<br><br> In a general sense, "cock-eyed" can mean something that is crooked, uneven, or off-center. For example, "The cock-eyed hat was tilted to one side."<br> In a more playful or whimsical sense, "cock-eyed" can mean something that is slightly absurd, silly, or quirky. For example, "Her cock-eyed fashion sense made her stand out on the street."<br> In a nautical or sailing context, "cock-eyed" can refer to a type of sailing mast or rigging that is not properly aligned or trimmed. For example, "The captain noticed that the mainsail was cock-eyed and adjusted the rigging to improve performance."<br><br>It's worth noting that the phrase "cock-eyed" is often used informally or in a humorous way, and its meaning can vary depending on the context in which it's used.

Cock-fighting

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Cock-fighting is a bloody and inhumane activity where two roosters are pitted against each other in a combat, often to the death, with the aim of entertainment for spectators. The roosters are forced to engage in a brutal fight, often with knives attached to their legs, and the audience places bets on the outcome. The practice is often associated with organized crime and is illegal in many countries due to its cruel nature.

Cock-sparrow

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A poetically intriguing phrase!<br><br>"Cock-sparrow" is a traditional English phrase that refers to a large, noisy, and argumentative woman, often described as being at odds with others around her. The term is often used jokingly or affectionately to describe someone known for their strong personality or animated nature.

Cock-up

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A "cock-up" is a British English idiom that refers to a mistake or a blunder, often a silly or embarrassing one. It can also imply a sense of chaos or confusion. It's often used in a humorous or ironic way to describe a situation where something has gone wrong unexpectedly. For example, "I made a right cock-up at the meeting" means you made a mistake at the meeting.

Cock-ups

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"cock-ups" is a British idiomatic expression that refers to a series of careless, inept, or incompetent mistakes or blunders, often leading to frustration, embarrassment, or unwanted consequences.

Cock

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The word "cock" can have several meanings depending on the context in which it is used. Here are a few possible meanings:<br><br>1. A male chicken: In this sense, a cock is a adult male chicken, typically used for breeding and cockfighting.<br><br>2. A cock is also a slang term that refers to the human male genitalia.<br><br>3. In aviation, a cock is also the control column of an aircraft, used to control the direction of the plane.<br><br>4. In a broader sense, "cock" can also be used to describe something that is excessively boastful or arrogant, like a "cock of the walk".

Cockade

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A cockade is a knot or a ribbon worn as a symbol of allegiance, loyalty, or national pride. In history, cockades were often worn as a scarf or a hatband to demonstrate membership in a particular political party, social group, or military unit.

Cockaded

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Cockaded: Decorated or adorned with a cockade, a circular ribbon or piece of ribbon, especially a black ribbon worn as a symbol of mourning, or a ribbon that indicates the wearer's allegiance to a particular group or cause; worn on the hat or coat.