Idioms

zebra crossing

This page is about the idiom zebra crossing

British English

Meaning

A zebra crossing is a pedestrian crossing that is marked on the road with painted black and white stripes.

For example

  • Visitors to Britain are sometimes confused when they're told there's a zebra crossing up ahead. Some even expect to see a zebra walking across the road.

  • If someone steps onto a zebra crossing, all cars must stop and wait for them to cross the road.

Variety

This idiom is typically used in British English but may be used in other varieties of English too.

Quick Quiz

A zebra crossing is a place for

a. zebras to cross the road

b. people to cross the road

c. cars to run people over
a) zebras to cross the road b) people to cross the road c) cars to run people over

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Common English Idioms

Contributor: Matt Errey