Switchback

Definitions

1. A railway track on a steep slope in a zigzag formation, in which a train travels in a reverse direction at each switch.
   attributive, figuratively, often
2. A railway track on which there are steep ascents and descents, a train moving partially or fully by the force of gravity using the momentum generated when descending to travel up an ascending part of the track; especially (British, dated), such a track built for fun rides at an amusement park; a type of rollercoaster.
   attributive, figuratively, often
3. A flight path consisting of a series of steep ascents and descents, generally flown as a stunt.
   attributive, broadly, figuratively, often
4. A path or road having a series of steep ascents and descents.
   British, attributive, broadly, figuratively, often
5. A sharp bend in a path or road which causes a traveller to almost reverse their direction of travel, especially one of a series of such bends on an incline; a hairpin bend; also a path or road having such a series of bends.
   Canada, US, attributive, broadly, figuratively, often

Equivalents

Examples

“"Of course," said Harry, "there will have⟳ to be a branch track built, and a ‘switch-back’ up the hill."”

“Marriage was the switchback, the giant racer, the lobster teas, the guarantee⟳ that one would never be alone.”

“The WR faction claims that the Westbury route is better adapted to high speed⟳, to which advocates of the SR route are apt to retort that the effect of modern diesel traction on schedules over the Salisbury–Exeter switchback has yet to be measured (the speed⟳ potential between Waterloo and Salisbury is scarcely disputable) […]”

“The switchback road to Diabaig - pronounced 'Jer-vague' - passes through some of the most exhilarating scenery in Scotland. […] With a final swoop, the road plummets down into Diabaig, where cottages are dotted across the slopes of a rocky semi-circle.”

“Already, we enter⟳ some airport bathrooms through a brief switchback of walls, so that we don’t ever grasp a door handle⟳.”

CEFR level