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Sleeping Policeman

What Does "Sleeping Policeman" Mean?

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"Sleeping policeman" is an English idiom. It is a term used in British English to describe a speed bump or traffic calming measure on a road, designed to slow down vehicles and improve safety.

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "sleeping policeman" used in a sentence:
  • The new sleeping policemen were installed on the residential street to reduce speeding and protect pedestrians.
  • The local council decided to add sleeping policemen near the school to enhance child safety.
  • Drivers should be cautious when approaching sleeping policemen to avoid damage to their vehicles.
meaning for sleeping policeman

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Sleeping Policeman" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

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