[Vocabulary] A strong iron portcullis is sliding up

[Marina Gaidar]

How is it correct to say "A strong iron portcullis is sliding up" or "Is being raised" or "Is rising"? Or maybe all the variants are possible? Which one sounds more natural?

 

[5jj]

Portcullises are usually raised.

 

[emsr2d2]

It would probably be a "heavy iron portcullis", not "strong". It's not completely impossible, just unlikely.

 

[SoothingDave]

I've never had the occasion to use the word "portcullis."

 

[5jj]

I've only just replaced mine (it was getting a bit rusty) with gates. I suppose I'll have to think about renewing the drawbridge next year.