Basic Details
Word: Linchpin
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A person or thing that is essential to the success of an organisation or situation; a key element that holds everything together.
Synonyms: Keystone, cornerstone, essential
Antonyms: Unimportant, insignificant
Idioms and Phrases
- Be the linchpin: To be the most important part of a group or project. Example: "If you want this team to succeed, you need to be the linchpin that everyone relies on."
- A linchpin of the community: Referring to someone who is vital for the community's well-being. Example: "The local library has always been a linchpin of the community, offering resources to everyone."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The director was the linchpin of the entire project, ensuring that every detail went smoothly.
Example 2: Without the right ingredients, the chef realised that he was missing the linchpin of his famous dish.
Example 3: To make the event successful, we need a linchpin who can connect the volunteers and the participants effectively.
Fun Fact
The term "linchpin" comes from an old use of the word "linch," which refers to a pin that holds a wheel on a vehicle. Just like the pin keeps the wheel in place, a linchpin keeps different parts of a situation or organisation together.
Famous Quote
"Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things." - Peter Drucker. This highlights that good leadership can often be the linchpin that leads to success.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "linchpin" mean?
a) A type of food
b) An essential part of a group or situation
c) A kind of animal
d) A game
Answer: b) An essential part of a group or situation
2. Which of these is a synonym of "linchpin"?
a) Keystone
b) Tower
c) Tree
d) River
Answer: a) Keystone
3. Which word is an antonym of "linchpin"?
a) Significant
b) Vital
c) Unimportant
d) Essential
Answer: c) Unimportant
4. Which sentence uses "linchpin" correctly?
a) The linchpin was happy to play outside.
b) The linchpin of the team was her ability to inspire others.
c) He ate the linchpin for breakfast.
d) The linchpin flew in the sky.
Answer: b) The linchpin of the team was her ability to inspire others.
5. Which idiom means to be essential to a group?
a) A linchpin of the community
b) A drop in the ocean
c) An apple a day
d) Riding the wave
Answer: a) A linchpin of the community
