high sticks

Meanings

1. 1phrasepluralsport

   In field hockey, the offense of raising the stick above shoulder height, which is dangerous and penalized.

   Grammar: Used as a fixed plural noun phrase; it takes a plural verb: "high sticks are penalized."

   Patterns

   • be called for high sticks
   • a penalty for high sticks

   The umpire blew the whistle for high sticks near the goal.

   Players are taught early that high sticks can injure an opponent.

   She was sent off after two high sticks in the same half.

2. 2phraseplural

   Sticks, poles, or similar objects that are positioned or raised high off the ground.

   Grammar: A plain descriptive plural phrase; the meaning depends on context, unlike the hockey term.

   Patterns

   • high sticks of bamboo
   • high sticks in the ground

   The fence was made of high sticks of bamboo tied together.

   He planted high sticks along the path to mark the boundary.

   From the hill we could see high sticks marking the finish line.

Common combinations

be penalized for high sticks

The team was penalized for high sticks twice in the first half.

a high-sticking offense

The referee recorded it as a high-sticking offense.

raise the stick above the shoulder

You raise the stick above the shoulder and it becomes a foul.

dangerous play with the stick

Umpires watch closely for dangerous play with the stick.

Synonyms and how they differ

stick obstruction

A different hockey offense involving blocking with the stick, not raising it high.

dangerous play

A broader term covering any unsafe action, of which high sticks is one example.

Word family

high-sticking noun

The same offense, often used in ice hockey as a penalty name.

stick noun

The long curved implement used to hit the ball in hockey.

Commonly confused: high sticks or high stick?

Practice

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