plumb line

• Fil ou cordelette avec un poids à une extrémité, utilisé pour vérifier la verticalité ou la profondeur ; aussi employé métaphoriquement pour désigner une norme ou un critère de référence.

A string with a weight attached at one end, used to determine vertical alignment or depth; also used metaphorically to refer to a standard or test of correctness.

1. Tool for vertical alignmentB2formal

   A string with a weight (plumb bob) attached to one end, used to find a true vertical line.

   fil à plomb

   • The carpenter used a plumb line to ensure the wall was straight.
   • A plumb line is essential for checking vertical alignment in construction.
   • He dropped the plumb line from the top of the structure.

2. Standard of measurementC1formal

   A figurative standard or criterion used to judge or test something.

   étalon de mesure

   • Honesty is the plumb line by which he measures all his actions.
   • The new policy serves as a plumb line for ethical conduct.
   • We need a plumb line to evaluate the effectiveness of our methods.