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I searched the meaning of reel in a couple of dictionaries and got the meaning as

to walk, moving from side to side, looking like one is going to fall.

but still I am not able to understand it. What does it mean? Can I have an example in favor of that word?

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3 Answers 3

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Psalm 127:27

They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man.

The definitions you found describe how someone who is drunk might walk: not in a straight line, and in danger of falling over.

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To reel in terms of walking is not commonly used (Andrew Leach's example is a good one though). What you would more often see: 'He reeled backwards from the punch' or 'The news sent him reeling' -- meaning that he appeared unsteady, as though he was about to fall over.

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A reel is a type of dance. In the Highland Reel (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scottish_highland_dance), the dancers weave side to side and around each other in a way that the definition you provide suggests. Perhaps it comes from the dance, then?

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  • I should add that it is danced very quickly, giving the impression of instability.
    – JAM
    Commented May 14, 2012 at 18:48
  • Or the dance from the word?
    – Kris
    Commented May 14, 2012 at 18:48

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