Cockleshell

usgb/ˈkɑːklʃel/
noun

A small, light boat.

He crossed the river in a cockleshell.
Visual representation of "cockleshell" - A small, light boat

Often appears as...

  • cockleshell boat
  • cockleshell journey
Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "cockleshell"
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Size Connotation

Cockleshell implies the boat is small and possibly fragile.

Illustration for Size Connotation
During the competition, they were given a cockleshell to navigate the narrow streams.
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Historical Reference

'Cockleshell' can evoke images from the 'Cockleshell Heroes,' a WWII mission.

Illustration for Historical Reference
Our adventure in the tiny cockleshell felt like we were the modern Cockleshell Heroes.
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Metaphorical Use

The term can be metaphorical for anything small and insufficient.

Illustration for Metaphorical Use
Their budget for the project was a cockleshell, hardly enough to succeed.
Visual representation of the word "Cockleshell"

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