"Ratlines" Pronounce,Meaning And Examples

"Ratlines" Natural Recordings by Native Speakers

Ratlines
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"Ratlines" Meaning

Ratlines refers to a series of escape routes or underground networks used by people fleeing Nazi-occupied Europe, particularly from Germany and other parts of Western Europe, during World War II. These routes were often used by Allied soldiers, officials, and assets, as well as Nazis and others fleeing persecution, to reach safety in areas under British or American jurisdiction.

The main objective of the ratlines was to allow these individuals to escape capture or persecution, and to make their way to safer areas, often with the assistance of sympathetic Catholic priests, the Vatican, or other clandestine organizations. Once on these routes, individuals could move to neutral areas, such as Spain, Portugal, or Switzerland, and eventually make their way to South America or other destinations.

Some of the most notable ratlines were operated by:

1. The Vatican: The Holy See played a complex role in helping thousands of people escape Nazi persecution, through its extensive network of ecclesiastical missions, convents, and monasteries. This assistance was often discreet and involved facilitating the use of ratlines.

2. Operation Paperclip: This was a secret U.S. Joint Intelligence Objectives Agency (JIOA) program during the closing stages of World War II and the early post-war period. Its purpose was to recruit foremost Germany persons with significant technical knowledge of physics, mathematics, electrical engineering, computer science, and aeronautics as well as to recruit experts from other fields of expertise.

3. Spain: After Germany invaded France, many of its Major U-boats and aircraft flew to Spain. Here, they combined into a 5th U-boat Flotilla huge banks of Spanish Shproblem around their galleries.

"Ratlines" Examples

5 Examples of "Ratlines"


1. Escape Route

The pirate used a ratline to climb down from the ship and escape to the shore.

2. Rope for Climbing

The sailor used a ratline to swing across the deck and reach the next mast.

3. Old Rope

The old sailor found a ratline from a retired ship and used it to tie up his garden gates.

4. Overlapping Cords

When he boarded the yacht, he noticed the clever use of ratlines to secure the sails.

5. Safety Navigation

Ratlines served as the main handholds for crew members to climb up or down through the ship's rigging.

"Ratlines" Similar Words

Rationally

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Rationed

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Limited or controlled in quantity or amount, especially because of a shortage.

Rationing

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Rations

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Ratios

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Ratios refer to the quantitative relationship between two or more quantities. It is a way of comparing the size of two or more groups, quantities, or values by dividing one quantity by another.

Ratitae

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The word "ratitae" refers to birds that belong to the group Ratitae, which is a clade of flightless birds that includes ostriches, emus, kiwis, rheas, and moa. The term "Ratitae" comes from the Latin "ratis," meaning "flightless." These birds are characterized by their large size, powerful legs, and the loss of the major flight-related bones in their skeletons. They are found in various parts of the world, including Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and South America, and play important roles in their respective ecosystems as herbivores or omnivores.

Ratite

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The ratites are a group of large, flightless birds that include ostriches, emus, kiwis, rheas, and cassowaries. They are characterized by their distinctive beaks and the fact that they have two wishbones (clavicles) embedded in their breastbone.<br><br>Ratites are found in various parts of the world, including Africa, South America, New Zealand, and Australia. They are generally ground-dwelling birds and have a relatively slow metabolism, which means they do not need to eat frequently.<br><br>The term "ratite" comes from the Latin "ratis," meaning "oar" or "paddle," likely referring to the flat, wide wings of these birds. These birds have evolved to become flightless, likely as a result of their environment and the presence of predators.

Ratites

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Members of the group of large, flightless birds that include ostriches, emus, kiwis, and rheas.

Raton

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A "ratón" is a Spanish word that means "mouse" in English. In different contexts, it can also refer to a person who travels extensively, especially to gather information, or a computer input device.

Ratoon

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A ratoon is a second or subsequent crop of sugarcane or other plant grown on the same stalks, typically harvested after the initial crop has been taken.

Rats

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A rodent mammal that is often considered a pest, known for its ability to multiply quickly and live in sewers and other areas with poor sanitation.

Ratsbane

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Ratsbane refers to a substance or preparation used to kill rats.

Rattan

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Rattan is a type of woody vine that originates from tropical regions of Asia and Africa. Its long, thin stems are often used as a versatile and sustainable material for furniture-making, basketry, and other crafts. Rattan is valued for its durability, flexibility, and resistance to decay.

Ratted

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Informal or derogatory, of a person:<br><br> Betrayed their friends or colleagues by giving their confidence away<br> Has behaved in a traitorous or deceitful way

Ratting

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Informally, "ratting" can refer to the act of informing on someone, often in a derogatory or deceitful manner, typically to gain personal advantage or avoid punishment. This might involve telling on a friend, colleague, or cohort, often in a ruthless or disloyal way.<br><br>More informally still, it can also describe giving information about someone shady or illegal activities, often in exchange for compensation or to stay clear of trouble.<br><br>However, in contexts outside of informally and law enforcement, "ratting" can simply describe something going out of control, with a kind of anarchic or chaotic quality, similar to "raging" or "running wild".

Rattle

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To make a quick, excited noise, often with a loose object, creating a sharp, shaking or tinkling sound.<br><br>Example: The dog's collar started to rattle when it ran through the hallway.<br><br>Synonyms: clatter, clash, jingle, chime<br><br>Antonyms: whisper, mumble, whisper