Pont-levis (en. Drawbridge)

pɔ̃ lə vi

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

noun

A movable bridge that can be raised or lowered.

The city's drawbridge rises each time a large boat passes.

Le pont-levis de la ville s'élève chaque fois qu'un gros bateau passe.

A device used to control access via a bridge.

The castle was protected by a drawbridge that closed at night.

Le château était protégé par un pont-levis qui se refermait la nuit.

A structure generally associated with medieval fortifications.

The soldiers monitored the drawbridge to prevent attackers from entering.

Les soldats surveillaient le pont-levis pour empêcher les assaillants d'entrer.

The term comes from Old French where 'pont' means 'bridge' and 'levis' means 'raised'.

lower the drawbridge

To lower the drawbridge to allow passage.

abaisser le pont-levis

raise the drawbridge

To raise the drawbridge to block access.

lever le pont-levis

bridge

Structure allowing passage over an obstacle.

pont

raising

The action of lifting or raising something.

levée

castle

Fortified building often associated with drawbridges.

château

To find oneself in a difficult situation with no escape.

When he saw his exam scores, he thought he was like a lowered drawbridge.

Quand il a vu ses notes d'examen, il s'est dit qu'il était comme un pont-levis baissé.

To be on the verge of making a heated decision.

Before speaking, think a little, you are not in front of a drawbridge.

Avant de parler, réfléchis un peu, tu n'es pas devant un pont-levis.