swallow dive

American  

noun

Chiefly British.

1. swan dive.

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swallow dive British  

noun

1. US and Canadian equivalent: swan dive.  a type of dive in which the diver arches back while in the air, keeping his legs straight and together and his arms oustretched, finally entering the water headfirst

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Etymology

Origin of swallow dive

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

A basketball-style finger-roll lob in the direction of a beaten defender against Castres and an extravagant swallow dive against Bristol were two recent efforts.

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2025

The full-back started the attack by collecting a Saints kick, side-stepped and back-handed the ball to Miles Reid, before racing back onto Josh Bayliss' shoulder to swallow dive over the line.

From BBC • Mar. 10, 2023

Suarez turned for the dugouts to celebrate, pointing in Moyes's direction before throwing himself into the air in a swallow dive and landing on the touchline in front of the Everton manager.

From BBC • Oct. 28, 2012

It is one thing to prematurely celebrate a try when the thing has been given, but a whole different caper when a swallow dive marks a nonevent.

From The Guardian • Feb. 26, 2011

Most pleasant it is to see the eave swallow dive down from the roof and rush over the scarcely green garden—a household sign of summer.

From Field and Hedgerow Being the Last Essays of Richard Jefferies by Jefferies, Richard