balk

• Nom avec plusieurs sens : zone sur une table de billard derrière la ligne dite « balk » ; obstacle ou entrave qui retarde la progression ; poutre inclinée soutenant un toit ; mouvement illégal du lanceur au baseball ; ou action de refuser d'obéir.

A noun with multiple meanings: an area on a billiard table behind the balkline; an obstacle or hindrance that delays progress; a sloping beam supporting a roof; an illegal pitching motion in baseball; or an act of refusing to comply.

1. Billiards areaC1formalsport

   The area on a billiard table behind the balkline, from which the cue ball is played.

   Zone de billard derrière la ligne de balk

   • The cue ball was placed in the balk for the break shot.
   • He carefully positioned the ball just behind the balkline.
   • In billiards, the balk is a crucial starting zone.

2. Obstacle or hindranceC1formal

   Something immaterial that interferes with or delays action or progress.

   Obstacle ou entrave

   • The lack of funding was a major balk to the project's completion.
   • His fear of failure became a balk to his career advancement.
   • Unexpected regulations proved to be a significant balk for the startup.

   Synonymesbarriercheckhindranceimpedimentobstructionstumbling block

3. Roof beamC2formaltechnical

   One of several parallel sloping beams that support a roof.

   Panne de toit

   • The carpenters installed the balks to support the new roof.
   • Each balk was carefully measured and cut to fit the structure.
   • The old barn's balks were made of sturdy oak.

   Synonymesrafter

4. Illegal baseball pitchB2formalamericansport

   An illegal pitching motion while runners are on base, often resulting in a penalty.

   Feinte irrégulière au baseball

   • The pitcher was called for a balk, allowing the runner to advance.
   • A balk occurs when the pitcher makes an illegal motion toward home plate.
   • The umpire signaled a balk after the pitcher's sudden stop.

5. Refusal to complyC1formal

   An act of refusing to proceed or comply with a request or order.

   Refus d'obtempérer

   • His balk at the new policy surprised his colleagues.
   • The employee's balk to follow instructions led to a meeting.
   • She showed a clear balk when asked to work overtime.

   Synonymesdemurdemurralnoncomplianceobjectionrefusalresistance

   Antonymesacceptanceagreementcompliance

• Verbe exprimant le fait de refuser de continuer ou d'agir, souvent par hésitation ou objection, ou de faire obstruction à quelque chose.

A verb used to indicate the act of hesitating or refusing to proceed with an action, often due to reluctance or objection.

1. Refuse to proceedB2formal

   To hesitate or be unwilling to accept an idea or undertaking.

   Refuser d'aller plus loin

   • She balked at the idea of working overtime without pay.
   • The horse balked at the high jump.
   • He balked when asked to sign the controversial contract.

   Synonymesdemurdraw backflinchjibobjectrecoilrefuseresist

   Antonymesacceptadvanceagreecomplycontinueproceed

2. Obstacle or hindranceC1formal

   Something that blocks or delays progress or action.

   obstacle, entrave

   • The lack of funding was a major balk to the project's completion.
   • His fear of failure became a balk to his career advancement.
   • The new regulations proved to be a balk for small businesses.

   Synonymesbarriercheckdeterrenthindranceimpedimentobstacleobstructionstumbling block

3. Illegal baseball moveC1formalamerican

   An illegal motion by the pitcher when runners are on base, intended to deceive the batter or runner.

   Feinte irrégulière du lanceur

   • The pitcher was called for a balk, allowing the runner to advance.
   • A balk occurs when the pitcher makes a motion to throw but does not deliver the ball.
   • The umpire signaled a balk after the pitcher's sudden stop.

4. Roof support beamC2formal

   One of several parallel sloping beams that support a roof structure.

   Panne de toit

   • The carpenters installed the balks to support the roof.
   • Each balk was carefully measured and cut to fit the frame.
   • The old barn's balks were made of sturdy oak.

   Synonymesbeamrafter

5. Billiard table areaC2formalbritish

   The area on a billiard table behind the balkline, from which the game begins.

   Zone de départ au billard

   • The player placed the cue ball in the balk to start the game.
   • In billiards, the balk is the section behind the balkline.
   • He carefully aimed from the balk to make his opening shot.

   Synonymesbaulkkitchen