Daily focus
Archive Replay
Thursday, January 9, 2025
Sign of the Day
bolt
The sign visually mimics the action of sliding a physical bolt into place
B1 Uncommon Noun British Sign Language (BSL) Neutral
Today’s Snapshot
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Dominant hand forms a G-handshape, with the index finger extended
A straight, horizontal sliding motion forward
Discussing door security, hardware, or construction
Break It Down
Watch, build, and feel the movement
Use the numbered steps first, then check the sign anatomy cards to clean up the small details that make the sign look fluent instead of approximate.
How to form the sign
- Form dominant G-hand
- Position hand near non-dominant
- Slide dominant hand straight forward
- Stop abruptly, simulating latching
Coach prompt
Practice the G-handshape. Focus on the straight, forward sliding motion
Signature details
Handshape
Dominant hand forms a G-handshape, with the index finger extended · Code G
Dominant hand
Either
Symmetry
N/A
Contact
Near
Palm orientation
Downwards or slightly inwards
Eyebrows
Neutral
Eye gaze
At referent
Head movement
None
Mouth morpheme
None
Body shift
None
Use It Today
Move from recognition to real-life use
Everything below is designed to make the sign sticky: where it feels natural, what learners miss, and how to use it without sounding robotic.
The door has a strong bolt
Represents the physical locking mechanism or the act of securing
Best fit: Discussing door security, hardware, or construction
Mirror focus
Practice the G-handshape. Focus on the straight, forward sliding motion
Catch the slip
Ensure movement is linear, not a twist. Keep index finger extended
Use it today
The door has a strong bolt
Common mistakes: Confusing with "key" or "lock"; incorrect movement direction
When not to use it: For "lightning bolt" or "bolt (run away)"
Regional note: None reported for this basic sign
Cultural note: None
1.[en] The door has a strong bolt. / BSL:[Sign 'DOOR' then 'BOLT']
2.[en] Please check the bolt. / BSL:[Sign 'PLEASE' 'CHECK' 'BOLT']
3.[en] Install a new bolt. / BSL:[Sign 'INSTALL' 'NEW' 'BOLT']
Connect the Dots
Turn one sign into a small learning cluster
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Word web
Fastener
latch
lock (noun)
Unlock
open
Door
security
key
secure
Lock
Key
Door
Secure
Screw
The BSL sign for "bolt" (noun) uses a G-hand sliding straight forward. This differs from "key" (noun), which uses a G-hand but performs a distinct twisting motion as if turning a key. It also differs from "lock" (noun), which often involves two S-hands or C-hands coming together or a single hand twisting, not a straight slide
Security
Fastener
Door
Hardware
Bolt
door bolt
security bolt
latch
hardware
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