Collar Meaning
Collar Definition & Usage
A part of a shirt, jacket, or coat that folds over at the neck and is typically made from the same fabric as the garment.
Examples
- "He straightened his shirt collar before entering the room."
- "Her dress had a wide, frilly collar that matched her vintage style."
- "The collar of his jacket was slightly turned up against the cold."
- "She buttoned up her coat and adjusted the collar to protect her neck from the wind."
- "He tugged at the collar of his shirt, uncomfortable in the formal attire."
A band worn around the neck of an animal, often used for identification or control.
Examples
- "The dog wore a leather collar with a tag for his name and address."
- "She tightened the horse's collar before mounting."
- "The cat's collar jingled as it wandered around the house."
- "He clipped the leash onto the collar and led the dog outside."
- "The stray dog had a worn-out collar, indicating it had been lost for some time."
A position or role that can be metaphorically described as one that restricts or controls.
Examples
- "He had to shed the corporate collar and live life on his own terms."
- "The collar of authority weighed heavily on her as a new manager."
- "Many artists resist the collar of conformity in the industry."
- "After years of wearing the collar of responsibility, he longed for freedom."
- "She was tired of the collar of societal expectations and sought to break free."
Cultural Context
The collar is a significant feature of clothing design, dating back centuries. Historically, collars were used to denote social status or formality, such as the stiff, elaborate collars of the Victorian era. Today, collars remain a standard part of many garments, from shirts to coats, and have evolved into a style statement. Collars are also a practical tool in pet care, often equipped with identification tags and used for control.
The Collar That Changed Everything
Story
The Collar That Changed Everything
It was an ordinary day when James stood before the mirror, adjusting his shirt collar. Little did he know, the small act of straightening his collar would be the first step toward an extraordinary journey. His new job in the corporate world was a big step, but the stiff collar on his shirt made him feel like a part of the system he had always opposed. 'Is this what I’ve become?' he thought, adjusting the fabric once more, feeling the weight of expectations pressing on him. At the same time, his dog, Max, was tugging at his collar, ready for their daily walk. James smiled at the thought of his loyal companion, a symbol of freedom and joy. 'Max, you're right,' he muttered. 'It's time to break free.' He decided to take a day off work, something that had been a long time coming. He took off his formal attire and slipped into something more comfortable, shedding the metaphorical collar of responsibility for the day. As they walked through the park, James realized the metaphor had taken root. The collar he had put on each day, both physical and figurative, was not just a constraint—it was an invitation to reconsider his life. Maybe, he thought, it was time to stop wearing the collar that defined him. Later that afternoon, James returned home, feeling like a new man. He had a deeper appreciation for both the figurative and literal collars in his life. Whether it was the collar on his shirt or the collar on Max, they both served as reminders of the roles they played—yet also of the freedom they could choose to embrace.
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