LOMBARD STREET Meaning and
Definition
-
Lombard Street is a renowned street located in San Francisco, California. It is often referred to as the "crookedest street in the world" due to its distinctive and incredibly steep one-block section. The street runs east to west between Hyde and Leavenworth Streets in the city's Russian Hill neighborhood.
The signature feature of Lombard Street is its winding design, consisting of eight sharp turns that wind their way down the steep hill. These turns were originally included to make the street less treacherous for vehicles and pedestrians, as the gradient was initially too steep for safety. Today, however, this unique and picturesque street has become an iconic tourist attraction, attracting visitors from around the globe who come to witness or even drive through the curving section.
Lombard Street is lined with beautiful Victorian-style homes and well-maintained gardens, adding to its charm and appeal. The area around Lombard Street offers stunning panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay and the city skyline, further enhancing its allure.
The street was named after the Lombard family, who were prominent during the Gold Rush era in California. Today, Lombard Street not only serves as a functional transportation route but also stands as a symbol of the city's distinctive and creative spirit. Its winding turns, historic architecture, and scenic setting make Lombard Street a true icon of San Francisco and a must-visit destination for tourists seeking a memorable and unconventional experience.
Common Misspellings for LOMBARD STREET
- kombard street
- pombard street
- oombard street
- limbard street
- lkmbard street
- llmbard street
- lpmbard street
- l0mbard street
- l9mbard street
- lonbard street
- lokbard street
- lojbard street
- lomvard street
- lomnard street
- lomhard street
- lomgard street
- lombzrd street
- lombsrd street
- lombwrd street
Etymology of LOMBARD STREET
The word "Lombard" in Lombard Street comes from the Lombards, a Germanic people who settled in Italy during the Early Middle Ages. The Lombards were known for their skills in banking and money lending, and Lombard Street was originally named after a community of Lombard merchants who lived and operated there during the medieval period. The street was historically a hub for financial institutions and banking activities, hence earning the name Lombard Street.
Idioms with the word LOMBARD STREET
-
all Lombard Street to a China orange
The idiom "all Lombard Street to a China orange" is an archaic expression that means a highly uneven or unbalanced comparison or wager. It suggests that the odds in a bet or contest are extremely skewed, with one side having a significantly greater advantage over the other. The phrase likely originated in the 19th century, referencing Lombard Street in London, known for its financial institutions and being a hub of wealth, and a "China orange" which would have been a rare and valuable fruit at the time. Therefore, the idiom conveys an extreme disproportion between two entities or outcomes.
