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Cling vs Sling - What's the difference?

cling | sling |

As nouns the difference between cling and sling

is that cling is fruit (especially peach) whose flesh adheres strongly to the pit while sling is an instrument for throwing stones or other missiles, consisting of a short strap with two strings fastened to its ends, or with a string fastened to one end and a light stick to the other.

As verbs the difference between cling and sling

is that cling is (hold tightly)To hold very tightly, as to not fall off while sling is to throw with a circular or arcing motion.

cling

English

Noun

(en noun)
  • Fruit (especially peach) whose flesh adheres strongly to the pit.
  • * 1908 , , Hostages to Momus :
    • Antelope steaks and fried liver to begin on, and venison cutlets with chili con carne and pineapple fritters, and then some sardines and mixed pickles; and top it off with a can of yellow clings and a bottle of beer.
  • adherence; attachment; devotion
  • * Milton
    • A more tenacious cling to worldly respects.

    Verb

  • (senseid)To hold very tightly, as to not fall off.
    • Seaweed clung to the anchor.
  • * Mrs. Hemans
    • And what hath life for thee / That thou shouldst cling to it thus?
  • To adhere to an object, without being affixed, in such a way as to follow its contours. Used especially of fabrics and films.
  • To cause to adhere to, especially by twining round or embracing.
  • * Jonathan Swift
    • I clung legs as close to his side as I could.
  • To cause to dry up or wither.
  • * Shakespeare
    • If thou speak'st false, / Upon the next tree shalt thou hang alive, / Till famine cling thee.
  • (figurative, with preposition to) to be fond of, to feel strongly about

    • Derived terms

    * cling film / clingfilm

    References

    * * * Notes: English irregular verbs

    sling

    English

    Verb

  • To throw with a circular or arcing motion.
    • (Addison)
  • To throw with a sling.
  • * Bible, Judges xx. 16
    • Everyone could sling stones at an hairbreadth, and not miss.
  • (nautical) To pass a rope around (a cask, gun, etc.) preparatory to attaching a hoisting or lowering tackle.

    • Derived terms

    * undersling

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (weapon) An instrument for throwing stones or other missiles, consisting of a short strap with two strings fastened to its ends, or with a string fastened to one end and a light stick to the other.
  • * {{quote-book, year=1786, author=Francis Grose, title=A Treatise on Ancient Armour and Weapons, page=43
    • , passage=The Sling is also a weapon of great antiquity, formerly in high estimation among the ancients.}}
  • A kind of hanging bandage put around the neck, in which a wounded arm or hand is supported.
  • A loop of cloth, worn around the neck, for supporting a baby.
  • A loop of rope, or a rope or chain with hooks, for suspending a barrel, bale, or other heavy object, in hoisting or lowering.
  • A strap attached to a firearm, for suspending it from the shoulder.
  • (nautical) A band of rope or iron for securing a yard to a mast; -- chiefly in the plural.
  • The act or motion of hurling as with a sling; a throw; figuratively, a stroke.
  • * Milton
    • At one sling / Of thy victorious arm, well-pleasing Son.
  • * {{quote-book, year=1600, author=William Shakespeare, title=Hamlet'', Act III, Scene I, line 55
    • , passage=To be, or not to be, that is the question: Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, Or to take arms against a sea of troubles, And by opposing, end them.}}
  • (climbing) A loop of rope or fabric tape used for various purposes: e.g. as part of a runner, or providing extra protection when abseiling or belaying.
  • A drink composed of a spirit (usually gin) and water sweetened.
    • gin sling
    a Singapore sling