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Gapers' Block

What Does "Gapers' Block" Mean?

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"Gapers' block" is an English idiom. It means "traffic congestion caused by drivers slowing down to look at an accident or incident on the road, often leading to further delays."

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "gapers' block" used in a sentence:
  • The accident on the highway created a gapers' block, causing significant traffic jams.
  • Despite the warning signs, drivers couldn't resist the temptation to slow down and create a gapers' block.
  • To avoid gapers' block, authorities sometimes erect screens to shield accident scenes from view.
meaning for gapers' block

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Gapers' Block" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

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