Jury-Rigged - English Definition & Meaning

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Definition

Something 'jury-rigged' is temporarily fixed or assembled using whatever materials are available, often in a makeshift way. Think of patching a leaky tire with duct tape to get you home 🚗. Unlike a professionally repaired item, a 'jury-rigged' fix is not meant to be permanent. Imagine fixing a broken chair with string and glue. It's a resourceful but temporary solution. These fixes are often not pretty, but they get the job done in a pinch.

Etymology

The origin of 'jury-rigged' is nautical, likely referring to makeshift repairs on a ship, using whatever materials were at hand. The term 'jury' in this context does not refer to a court of law but rather to a temporary or emergency substitute. It is speculated to be derived from the Old French word 'ajurie,' meaning 'help' or 'aid.' Over time, 'jury-rigged' came to mean any improvised repair or construction.

Related Words

Examples

  • "They jury-rigged the broken fan with some wire and tape to keep it running."
  • "He jury-rigged a temporary shelter from branches and leaves to protect himself from the rain."
  • "The mechanic jury-rigged the car's engine to get it running long enough to reach the garage."
  • "She jury-rigged a costume for the party using scraps of fabric and some safety pins."

Anecdote / Story

Remember in 'The Martian' when Mark Watney has to survive on Mars? He spends the entire movie jury-rigging equipment. He modifies rovers, creates water from rocket fuel, and adapts habitats. Everything he does is about finding a way to make things work with limited resources. Watney is the master of the jury-rigged solution! 🚀

Encouragement

'Jury-rigged' is a fun way to describe clever, temporary fixes. It's perfect for situations where you have to be resourceful and make do with what you have. Incorporate this word into your vocabulary, and impress your friends with your descriptive prowess! ✨

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