輨 (guǎn) - Linchpin — the metal pin that passes through & in ancient texts, refers to a key component

輨Tone 3

guǎn ｜ 15 strokes ｜ radical:

枫惠

輨 · guǎn

Linchpin — the metal pin that passes through the end of an axle to keep a wheel in position;

in ancient texts, refers to a key component that holds something together.

Linchpin — the metal pin that passes throughin ancient texts, refers to a key component

Usage highlights

chariot linchpinbronze linchpinaxle linchpinwheel linchpinmetal linchpinsecure with linchpin

Synonyms

  • 辖— linchpin (more common term for the same object)
  • 键— key; crucial part (metaphorical sense)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The linchpin secures the wheel to the axle (车輨).
  • Ancient chariots used bronze linchpins (青铜輨).
  • This part functions like a linchpin in the mechanism (机构中的輨).
  • The term is used metaphorically for something crucial (关键如輨).

Collocations

  • chariot linchpin(车輨)
  • bronze linchpin(青铜輨)
  • axle linchpin(轴輨)
  • wheel linchpin(轮輨)
  • metal linchpin(金属輨)
  • secure with linchpin(以輨固定)

Idioms

  • Secure as a linchpin(固若金輨)
  • The linchpin of the state(国之輨键)
  • Remove the linchpin to dismantle(去輨则解)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally referred to the metal pin that secured wheels on ancient Chinese chariots and carriages.
  • Metaphorically extended to mean something that is crucial or pivotal in holding a system together.
  • Appears in classical texts describing ancient vehicle mechanics and by extension, critical components of systems.

FAQ