hole-in-the-wall

IPA/ˌhəʊl ɪn ðə ˈwɔːl/
IPA/ˌhəʊl ɪn ðə ˈwɔːl/

hole-in-the-wall — noun

1. a machine that is built into the outside wall of a bank or other building and gi

1.名詞B1
釋義

a machine that is built into the outside wall of a bank or other building and gives out money when you insert a bank card — the informal British word for an ATM

例句

Oliver stopped at a hole-in-the-wall on his way to work to get cash for lunch.

British informal term for ATM; collocation: stopped at the hole-in-the-wall

There is a hole-in-the-wall just outside the railway station that works 24 hours a day.

同義詞
  • ATM

    the standard abbreviation used worldwide; more formal

  • cash machine

    neutral term common in both British and American English

  • cashpoint

    British English, slightly dated but still in use

文法句型

a/the hole-in-the-wall

用法筆記

Used primarily in British English. In American English, the standard terms are 'ATM' or 'cash machine'. This sense is less common among younger British speakers, who often use 'cashpoint' or simply 'the machine'.

常見錯誤

❌I withdrew cash from the hole-in-the-wall in Taipei.
✅I withdrew cash from the ATM / 提款機 in Taipei.
💡'hole-in-the-wall' is restricted to British English and would sound unnatural in non-UK settings.

2. a very small shop, restaurant, or home that feels cramped or looks plain and is

2.名詞B2
釋義

a very small shop, restaurant, or home that feels cramped or looks plain and is often in an out-of-the-way location, sometimes giving it a hidden or secret appeal

例句

Sofia and her brother ate at a hole-in-the-wall near the market that served amazing noodles.

collocation: ate at a hole-in-the-wall

Vikram found a hole-in-the-wall bookstore where the old books were very cheap.

pattern: hole-in-the-wall + noun (bookstore)

同義詞
  • dive

    more negative; specifically a rough or dirty bar or restaurant

  • joint

    informal and more neutral; can refer to any place of business

  • shack

    even more basic and rundown; often refers to a building rather than a business

反義詞
  • palace

    opposite extreme — luxurious, spacious, and impressive

文法句型

a hole-in-the-wall

hole-in-the-wall + noun (bookstore / restaurant / café)

用法筆記

Often implies a place that is smaller or less polished than similar establishments. Can convey affection for a place with character (a charming hidden gem) or a negative judgment (cramped or shabby). The tone depends on context.

常見錯誤

❌We held our wedding reception at a hole-in-the-wall banquet hall.
✅We held our wedding reception at a small, intimate hall.
💡'hole-in-the-wall' suggests a place that is cramped and unpretentious, not suitable for a formal gathering.
❌They own a hole-in-the-wall supermarket with five aisles.
✅They own a small convenience store.
💡a hole-in-the-wall is extremely tiny, much smaller than even a small supermarket.