pons asinorum

• Expression latine signifiant littéralement « pont aux ânes », utilisée historiquement pour désigner un problème ou une épreuve difficile qui sépare ceux qui peuvent comprendre des concepts avancés de ceux qui ne le peuvent pas, notamment en géométrie ou en logique.

A Latin phrase meaning 'bridge of asses,' historically used to refer to a difficult problem or test that separates those who can understand advanced concepts from those who cannot, particularly in geometry or logic.

1. Bridge of AssesC2formal

   A nickname for the fifth proposition in Euclid's Elements, which states that the base angles of an isosceles triangle are equal. It is considered a difficult concept for beginners.

   Pont aux ânes

   • Many geometry students struggle with the pons asinorum.
   • The teacher explained the pons asinorum using a simple diagram.
   • Understanding the pons asinorum is a milestone in learning Euclidean geometry.

2. A difficult test for beginnersC2formal

   Any challenging problem or concept that tests the understanding of a novice in a particular field.

   Pont aux ânes

   • The first programming assignment was the pons asinorum for the new coders.
   • In philosophy, the problem of free will is often considered a pons asinorum.
   • The final exam served as a pons asinorum for the students.