Cage Meaning
Cage Definition & Usage
A structure typically made of metal bars or wires used to enclose or confine animals or birds.
Examples
- "The bird sat quietly in its cage, chirping softly."
- "He walked past the tiger’s cage, holding his breath as the animal stared back."
- "The zoo was full of exotic creatures, many of which were kept in large, well-maintained cages."
- "After the bird flew into the room, she quickly caught it and put it back in the cage."
- "They spent hours building a cage for their new pet rabbit."
A restrictive or confining situation, often used metaphorically to describe emotional, social, or personal limitations.
Examples
- "She felt like a bird in a cage, trapped in a dull job she hated."
- "His life had become a cage of responsibilities that he couldn't escape."
- "The constant surveillance made the workplace feel like a cage for the employees."
- "He tried to break free from the cage of societal expectations."
- "Many teenagers feel like they’re in a cage, unable to express themselves freely."
To enclose or confine something or someone in a cage.
Examples
- "They caged the animals before transporting them to the sanctuary."
- "The zookeepers caged the monkey for the night."
- "Don't cage the bird! Let it fly outside."
- "The wild cat was caged after the rescue operation."
- "She felt caged in by the constant demands of her family."
Cultural Context
The concept of a cage has been present in many cultures and contexts throughout history, ranging from literal cages used to trap animals to metaphorical cages symbolizing personal or societal constraints. Cages are commonly found in zoos, animal sanctuaries, and pet stores, as well as in prisons and sports events.
The Cage of Freedom
Story
The Cage of Freedom
Max stood outside the steel bars of the cage, watching as the tigers paced restlessly back and forth. He wasn’t sure if they were waiting for him to open the door or if they were simply trying to find a way out. As a zookeeper, he had seen countless animals in cages, but these two creatures felt different. They weren't just physically confined; they were mentally imprisoned too. The job had its perks, but Max often felt like he was trapped in a cage of his own. It wasn’t the animals that bothered him, but the feeling that his life had become a series of unremarkable days. Each day, he was like a bird in a cage, moving from one routine to the next, never really flying free. He had dreams of traveling, of breaking free from the mundane life that had ensnared him. But something always kept him here, at the zoo, working in the same cage, watching others experience the freedom he yearned for. That evening, after his shift ended, Max walked through the gates of the zoo, his mind still on the tigers and his own confined life. As he passed the employee parking lot, his phone buzzed with a message from his old friend, Jenna. "Max, we’re going on a road trip this summer! You in?" For the first time in weeks, a smile tugged at his lips. Maybe it was time to escape the cage of responsibility. Maybe it was time to fly. The next morning, he handed in his resignation letter. It wasn’t just about the job; it was about freeing himself from the mental cage he had created. Max was finally ready to leave the cage behind, but he knew the true freedom would come when he stopped feeling trapped by his own choices. And so, with a packed bag and a heart full of adventure, he stepped into the unknown.
Related Words
