Background for balk

balk

/bɔːk/ /bɔk/

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noun

An uncultivated ridge formed in the open field system, caused by the action of ploughing.

Examples :

"After centuries of ploughing the same land, a noticeable balk ran the length of the field, marking the boundary between different families' sections. "

agriculture geography environment

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noun

The wall of earth at the edge of an excavation.

Examples :

"The construction crew carefully reinforced the balk before digging deeper into the foundation. "

geology architecture

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noun

Beam, crossbeam; squared timber; a tie beam of a house, stretching from wall to wall, especially when laid so as to form a loft, "the balks".

Examples :

"The old barn's ceiling was made of thick balks, providing support and a rustic, loft-like space above. "

architecture material building

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noun

A hindrance or disappointment; a check.

Examples :

"The unexpected snowstorm was a major balk to their weekend camping trip. "

negative situation

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noun

A sudden and obstinate stop; a failure.

Examples :

"The project's budget was too low, and the team balk at the idea. "

action outcome tendency

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noun

Examples :

"The teacher's lecture had a significant balk: she forgot to mention the upcoming exam. "

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noun

A deceptive motion; a feint.

Examples :

"The boxer's sudden balk to the left confused his opponent, allowing him to land a powerful punch. "

action sport military

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noun

The area of the table lying behind the line from which the cue ball is initially shot, and from which a ball in hand must be played.

Examples :

"The player positioned the cue ball carefully in the balk, ready to begin their turn. "

sport game position area

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noun

The area of the table lying behind the baulk line.

Examples :

"The pool player carefully aimed at the ball in the balk, trying to sink it into the corner pocket. "

sport game area

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noun

The rope by which fishing nets are fastened together.

Examples :

"The fisherman carefully inspected the balk, ensuring it was strong enough to hold the heavy net. "

nautical sailing fish

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verb

To pass over or by.

Examples :

"The teacher balked the first few questions in the exam, choosing to answer the ones she felt more confident about later. "

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verb

To omit, miss or overlook by chance.

Examples :

"While reviewing her notes, Sarah balked at a crucial detail about the project deadline. "

action business

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verb

To miss intentionally; to avoid.

Examples :

"The student balked at the extra homework assignment. "

attitude action

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verb

To stop, check, block.

Examples :

"The student balked at the difficult math problem, unable to find a solution. "

action attitude

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verb

To stop short and refuse to go on.

Examples :

"The horse balked."

attitude action tendency

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verb

To refuse suddenly.

Examples :

"When the teacher asked him to lead the class discussion, he balked at the idea. "

attitude action

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verb

To disappoint; to frustrate.

Examples :

"to balk expectation"

attitude action

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verb

To engage in contradiction; to be in opposition.

Examples :

"The child tended to balk at bedtime, arguing that he wasn't tired. "

attitude action

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verb

To leave or make balks in.

Examples :

"The farmer carefully balked the field, leaving raised ridges of soil to help with irrigation. "

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verb

To leave heaped up; to heap up in piles.

Examples :

"The children balked the leftover toys in a huge pile in the corner. "

agriculture mass

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verb

To indicate to fishermen, by shouts or signals from shore, the direction taken by the shoals of herring.

Examples :

"The fisherman on the shore balked, signaling the direction the herring were swimming. "

fish nautical direction communication signal