touch the roof

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "touch the roof" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is reaching up or making contact with a roof, either literally or metaphorically. Example: "As the children jumped on the trampoline, they felt like they could touch the roof with their excitement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

I've given him terrifyingly specific instructions: I mustn't be able to touch the roof from the inside, for example.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ken suggests Celotex in the eaves where there is a risk of blocking air flow past the rafters, supplies new drawings in which the Warmcel doesn't touch the roof, and promises a design for boxing round the loft hatch.

The Guardian

Eight are diagraphs, such as dd, a th sound, and ll, where the tongue needs to touch the roof of the mouth as the speaker hisses.And as for grammar, here's a taster: in Welsh, there is no indefinite article (a) but three definite articles (the).

The Economist

The cottage is tucked into the bottom of a crease worked deep between the rounded slopes of the hills; sheep are grazing in the field that rises so steeply behind the cottage you can almost touch the roof from the path that winds along its lower edge.

The New Yorker

Inside the latrine barracks at Birkenau (notice the walls don't touch the roof) (click to enlarge).

Huffington Post

During Simone Biles' final pass of her routine, right when her 4-foot-8-inch frame seemed to be about to touch the roof of the building, I noticed my son rubbing his eyes.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

The leaves grow about 5.5m up, nearly touching the roof".

Independent

Friends, including some who touched the roof of the world, are dead or dying.

The New York Times

The second part of the experiment, which is after the wave touches the roof and the air pocket is entrapped, is modeled using a mixed Eulerian Lagrangian method.

Applied Ocean Research

The time before the wave touches the roof is modeled by a new numerical method called the boundary-element finite-difference method.

Applied Ocean Research

His face is turned up, his nose almost touching the roof of the car, his throat arched and vulnerable, his eyes closed.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical actions, use "touch the roof" to vividly convey reaching a high point or limit.

Common error

Avoid using "touch the roof" when describing abstract concepts unless a clear visual metaphor is intended. Opt for terms like "reach its peak" or "achieve maximum potential" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "touch the roof" primarily functions as a verb phrase, often describing a physical action. Ludwig examples show this usage in contexts like someone being tall enough to reach a roof or a tongue placement inside the mouth. Ludwig AI indicates it's correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

33%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "touch the roof" is generally correct and commonly used, primarily to describe a physical action of reaching or making contact with a roof. While Ludwig indicates its usability, the contexts vary from literal descriptions in news and media to instructions in wikis. Metaphorical use exists, but alternatives such as "reach its peak" or "achieve maximum potential" are often clearer. When using it metaphorically, consider whether the visual is appropriate and clear. Remember that in formal or technical contexts more precise wording may be preferable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost touch the roof

Indicates being very close to making contact with the roof.

reach the ceiling

Focuses on reaching the upper limit of a room, similar to touching the roof from inside.

scrape the roof

Implies a slight or glancing contact with the roof.

brush the ceiling

Suggests a very light touch or near miss with the roof.

hit the roof

An idiomatic expression for becoming extremely angry or upset.

nearly reach the top

Focuses on the action of reaching, emphasizing the closeness to the summit/roof.

at the highest point

Denotes being at the uppermost level, where the roof would be.

be at its peak

Highlights the condition of being at the maximum, similar to metaphorically "touching the roof".

ascend to the highest level

Emphasizes the action of climbing towards the roof, the highest level.

get to the maximum

Focuses on achieving the highest possible state or amount, like "touching the roof" of potential.

FAQs

How can I use "touch the roof" in a sentence?

You can use "touch the roof" to describe physically reaching the roof, like "The basketball player could almost touch the roof when he jumped." It can also be used metaphorically to describe reaching a limit, though alternatives may be clearer.

What does it mean to "touch the roof" metaphorically?

Metaphorically, "touch the roof" can suggest reaching a peak or limit in performance or achievement. However, using more precise phrases like "reach its peak" or "achieve maximum potential" is often clearer.

What are some alternatives to "touch the roof"?

Alternatives include "reach the ceiling" (for literal contexts), "reach its peak", or "achieve maximum potential" (for metaphorical uses).

Is "touch the roof" an idiom?

"Touch the roof" is not a common idiom. It's typically used literally or as a less common metaphor. Phrases like "hit the roof" (meaning to become very angry) are more established idioms.