[Idiom] to furl

[Balkenende]

Dear teachers,

In my English-Dutch dictionary, a second definition of 'to furl' is given (apart from folding sails etc.), namelijk 'to give up hope'.

I can't find this anywhere else, so I am wondering if my dictionary is correct.


Many thanks,
Joost

 

[TomUK]

Not a teacher

My Concise Oxford Dictionary gives as a further meaning of 'furl': d relinquish (hopes). So that is basically the same as what your dictionary says.

I have to say I don't remember ever having come across this word with this meaning.

TomUK

 

[Balkenende]

Thanks, Tom!

I hope some more people weigh in with their opinion.

 

[emsr2d2]

I can't find my dictionary at the moment but I can definitely say I have never come across it used with this meaning either.

 

[Rover_KE]

It doesn't appear with that meaning in any of the 33 dictionaries listed in the OneLook Dictionary Search, either:

Definitions of furl - OneLook Dictionary Search

Rover

 

[Hedwig]

I confirm the Concise Oxford gives that meaning.
Has anyone got an OED?

 

[5jj]

Has anyone got an OED?

It's not one of the six meaning given in my 1989 2nd edition; it's also not in my Webster's Third.

 

[Balkenende]

Thank you all.

It's bad news, though: I'll have to find another rhyming word for my poem now...

 

[5jj]

It's bad news, though: I'll have to find another rhyming word for my poem now...

.... my ravelled hopes unfurl.

?

I had a rare poetic moment.

 

[Balkenende]

.... my ravelled hopes unfurl.

?

I had a rare poetic moment.

That isn't half bad!

 

[Barb_D]

I've only seen "unfurl" and usually in relation to a flag. I've never seen "furl."

 

[Tdol]

In BrE, I have heard furl an umbrella.

 

[emsr2d2]

In BrE, I have heard furl an umbrella.

So have I but only to fold/wrap it back up, never to give in to it!

 

[Tdol]

If furling proves too difficult, you could furl. Though I have never heard this- swearing would be a more natural response. ;-)