Basic Details
Word: Haunches
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: The back part of an animal's body, especially the part that includes the hips and thighs.
Synonyms: Rump, hindquarters
Antonyms: Front, forepart
Idioms and Phrases
- Down on your haunches: To be in a crouched or squat position, often used when someone rests or prepares to act. Example: "She sat down on her haunches to tie her shoelaces."
- Haunches up: To prepare for something, especially in a tense situation. Example: "The dog raised its haunches up and started growling when it sensed danger."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The cat stretched out its haunches after waking up from a long nap on the sunny windowsill.
Example 2: To get a better view of the parade, the children crouched down on their haunches.
Example 3: The horse kicked its haunches as it galloped across the field, enjoying the freedom.
Fun Fact
The term "haunch" actually comes from an Old English word "hanche," meaning "hip." Its often used to describe not just the back part of animals but is also applicable in describing large cuts of meat from that area!
Famous Quote
"The haunches of a horse are strong; they carry the burden of elegance and speed." Anonymous
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "haunches" refer to?
a) The front part of an animal
b) The back part of an animal's body
c) The head of an animal
d) The tail of an animal
Answer: b) The back part of an animal's body
2. Which of these is a synonym of "haunches"?
a) Forepart
b) Rump
c) Head
d) Tail
Answer: b) Rump
3. Which of the following is an antonym of "haunches"?
a) Thigh
b) Rump
c) Front
d) Back
Answer: c) Front
4. Which sentence uses "haunches" correctly?
a) He walked on his haunches.
b) The deer grazed peacefully with its haunches positioned low.
c) The child jumped on the haunches of the trampoline.
d) She stood straight up without bending her haunches.
Answer: b) The deer grazed peacefully with its haunches positioned low.
5. What does the idiom "down on your haunches" mean?
a) To be sitting in a chair
b) To crouch or squat
c) To stand tall
d) To hop on one foot
Answer: b) To crouch or squat
