gap
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mind the gap
An audio or visual instruction used in the UK and Ireland to be careful stepping over the space between a train's carriage and the platform when boarding or disembarking. Primarily heard in UK, Ireland. Your train is now arriving. Please mind the gap.
stand in the gap
To assume a position of active, resolute defense (for or against something). From Ezekiel 22:30: "And I sought for a man among them that should make up the hedge and stand in the gap before Me for the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found none." We are all called to stand in the gap to defend what we know in our hearts to be morally correct and essential.
credibility gap
The discrepancy between the lofty promises that a person makes and the resulting action or situation. The politician suffered a credibility gap regarding his claims about the economy's improvement because his constituents were still unable to find work.
See also: gap
generation gap
The difference of opinions and attitudes, especially in relation to social changes and politics, that develop as each generation changes from the one before it. Attitudes toward gay marriage reflects a clear generation gap on the issue today.
See also: gap, generation
bridge the gap
1. Literally, to function as a bridge and connect two points. Don't worry, there are rocks bridging the gap up ahead—we can cross there.
2. To serve as a point of connection between disparate people or groups. I thought Senator Davis was working to bridge the gap between the parties on this controversial issue. A lingua franca is used to bridge the gap between people who do not speak the same language.
3. To alleviate the effects of a shortcoming, usually temporarily. I just need to borrow some money to bridge the gap until I get paid again.
stop a gap
To temporarily cover or fill in a deficiency or need. We need you to work the next two weeks with the marketing department. It's just to stop a gap until Meredith's replacement is ready to start. I know you want more than an apple, but it's just to stop a gap until we come to the next rest area.
gender gap
A phrase that can be applied to any socioeconomic difference that exists between men and women. I really hope Maureen's big raise helps to lessen the gender gap in wages at this company.
thigh gap
The space visible between one's inner thighs when one stands with knees touching or almost touching. Because thinness contributes to a thigh gap, this concept is often regarded or criticized as a beauty ideal. I worry that the media is encouraging young girls to see a thigh gap as beautiful and necessary.
Catholic gap
slang For a Catholic wedding, the period of time between the end of the wedding ceremony at the church and the start of the reception at another location. This typically happens with an early afternoon wedding and an evening reception. Ugh, what are we going to do during the Catholic gap? We should at least go and get drinks somewhere.
fill the gap
To assist on a temporary basis. Aunt Helen is coming over to stay with us and fill the gap until Mom gets home from work.
bridge the gap
1. Lit. to make a bridge that reaches across a space. The engineers decided to bridge the gap with a wooden structure.
2. Fig. to do or create something that will serve temporarily. We can bridge the gap with a few temporary employees.
fill the gap
to serve temporarily. I think that the temp will fill the gap until a new person can be hired.
credibility gap
Distrust of a public statement or position, as in The current credibility gap at City Hall is the result of miscommunication between the mayor's office and the press . This term originated about 1960 in connection with the American public's disinclination to believe government statements about the Vietnam War. It soon was extended to individuals and corporations as well as government agencies to express a lack of confidence in the truth of their statements, or perception of a discrepancy between words and actions.
See also: gap
gender gap
A broad difference between men and women, as in There is still an enormous gender gap in the wages of unskilled labor. This expression at first referred to the difference between men and women in voting preferences. It has since been extended to other areas. [1970s]
generation gap
A broad difference in values and attitudes between one generation and another, especially between parents and their children. For example, There's a real generation gap in their choice of music, restaurants, clothing-you name it . [1960s"
See also: gap, generation