don a cape

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "don a cape" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to express the idea of someone getting dressed in or putting on a cape. For example, "After choosing his favorite cape, the superhero donned a cape and prepared for adventure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

In the old days, Mr. Johnson would don a cape and call himself Souperman to inspire his employees.

The New York Times

Instead, Francis Maude promised to don a cape and ride to the rescue of our 999 services.

The Guardian - Opinion

Find someone who doesn't need you to don a cape to save him from himself.

Huffington Post

(Link.) 6901 - Will President Rick don a cape and a cowl like Batman to start fighting porn?

Huffington Post

I'm the type of girl who will run with any excuse to don a cape or drape herself in furs, so when I was assigned the role of Destroyer Goddess in Micki's"The Elusinian Mysteries" at Wierd a little while ago, I just about creamed myself.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

At first, R. A. Dickey donned a cape Thursday night.

The New York Times - Sports

Six-year-old Anthony Marvinney Jr. of Huntington donned a cape and knelt in front Mr. Chorowski.

The New York Times

A few years earlier she pasted a beard onto her face, donned a cape and wide-brimmed hat and made the rounds of San Diego as the King of Solana Beach, a figure with a distinct resemblance to the 17th-century monarch in portraits by Van Dyck.

The New York Times - Arts

But the nickname doesn't belong to someone donning a cape and fighting villains on his down time.

Huffington Post

Wilson dons a cape, chooses a weapon (a hefty wrench) and coins a catchphrase that is increasingly funny as the film goes on: "Shut up, crime!" Comic bookstore geek Ellen Page becomes his VERY enthusiastic sidekick, and the tone veers wildly as Wilson goes from meek to freak, beating up thugs but also mauling a guy for cutting in line at the cinema.

Huffington Post

Or Superman, in the case of Howard, who has yet to reveal whether he'll be donning a red cape again for this year's competition.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "don a cape" to evoke imagery of transformation or taking on a new role or identity. It is often used metaphorically, not just literally.

Common error

Avoid using "don a cape" in situations where simply "wearing a cape" would be more appropriate. The phrase is most effective when implying something beyond the act of merely wearing clothing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "don a cape" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It describes the action of putting on a cape, which can be literal or metaphorical, as shown in Ludwig's examples of someone taking on a new role or identity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

20%

Vice

6%

Less common in

The Guardian

3%

The New Yorker

2%

Los Angeles Times

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "don a cape" is a grammatically correct and usable verb phrase that means to put on a cape. However, according to Ludwig, its usage often goes beyond the literal action, implying a symbolic transformation or assumption of a new role. It's most commonly found in News & Media contexts and carries a neutral register. While not a very frequent expression, "don a cape" is a powerful way to suggest heroism, authority, or a shift in identity. Be mindful not to overuse it in strictly literal contexts, where a more straightforward phrase like "wear a cape" might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wear a cape

Focuses on the action of wearing, emphasizing the visual aspect of having a cape on.

put on a cape

Emphasizes the action of getting dressed and adding a cape to one's attire.

dress in a cape

Highlights the act of dressing and choosing to include a cape as part of the outfit.

slip into a cape

Suggests a quick or easy act of putting on a cape, sometimes implying a transformation.

assume the mantle

Implies taking on a role or responsibility, similar to the symbolic act of putting on a cape.

cover with a cape

Focuses on the physical act of covering oneself using a cape.

take up the cloak

Similar to assuming the mantle, it represents adopting a specific role or identity.

cloak oneself

Describes enveloping oneself in a cloak or cape, emphasizing concealment or transformation.

adopt the persona

Focuses on taking on a specific character or identity, often associated with a costume or role.

get into costume

Refers to the broader act of putting on a disguise or outfit, which may include a cape.

FAQs

How can I use "don a cape" in a sentence?

You can use "don a cape" to describe someone physically putting on a cape or, more often, to metaphorically represent taking on a heroic or transformative role. For example, "He decided to "don a cape" and fight for justice."

What does it mean to "don a cape" metaphorically?

Metaphorically, to "don a cape" means to assume a role of responsibility, heroism, or transformation. It suggests taking on a new identity or purpose, often one that is seen as powerful or protective.

Are there any synonyms for "don a cape"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "wear a cape", "put on a cape", or "assume the mantle" depending on whether you want to emphasize the physical action or the metaphorical assumption of a role.

Is it correct to say "don on a cape" instead of "don a cape"?

No, "don on a cape" is not grammatically correct. The correct usage is simply "don a cape". The verb "don" already implies putting something on.