Cage

A cage is a structure made of bars, wire, or other materials, used to enclose and confine an animal, bird, or person. It serves to restrain movement, protect the inhabitant from the outside environment, or prevent escape. Metaphorically, it can represent a state of confinement, restriction, or limitation. Cages come in various sizes and materials, serving diverse purposes, from housing pets to imprisoning criminals. They are a symbol of captivity and often evoke feelings of helplessness or vulnerability.

Cage meaning with examples

• The zookeeper carefully placed the lion in its spacious metal cage. Inside, the king of the jungle paced, awaiting feeding time. The heavy bars seemed to keep the beast contained, protecting visitors from harm. The cage provided shelter, but it also symbolized the animal's restricted freedom and the reality of the zoo.
• After the rescue, the injured bird was placed in a small transport cage. The veterinarian examined its broken wing, giving it first aid care. The tiny cage was meant to keep the avian safe, allowing it a safe space to recover. Eventually the injured bird was free, allowed to spread its wings beyond its confinement.
• The detectives interrogated the suspect, who was placed within a holding cage at the police station. The cold steel of the cage seemed to amplify the defendant’s isolation, and pressure to co-operate. With questions fired from all sides, it created a sense of vulnerability and fear to try and break their will.
• The artist used the image of a cage as a symbol of societal constraints in their artwork. Their painting depicted a human figure trapped within a cage of their own making, illustrating the feeling of oppression. The use of lines created the bars of a cage, representing limitations upon self expression.