Meaning of for want of | Babel Free

Definitions

Because of the absence of.

Equivalents

Examples

“for want⟳ of a better word”

“I did not pass⟳ it, though not for want⟳ of trying.”

“For want⟳ of a nail the shoe was lost. For want⟳ of a shoe the horse was lost. For want⟳ of a horse the rider was lost. For want⟳ of a rider the battle was lost. For want⟳ of a battle the kingdom was lost. And all for the want⟳ of a horseshoe nail.”

“When the time of Christ's second coming is at hand, there will be but a very little faith in the world. And the Lord knows that there be many, who are now as high as Lucifer, that at that day, for want⟳ of faith, will be thrown down to the sides of the pit; even in the very belly of hell.”

“In April 1923, he was working with a gang of five others in Glasgow on the London, Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS). They were told to walk⟳ in the cess. But as it wasn't clear, they walked on the sleepers, each carrying a 70lb lifting screw on his shoulder. McGuinness was struck by a train⟳ and killed for want⟳ of a safe path.”

CEFR level