space blanket
noun

- a plastic insulating body wrapping coated on one or both sides with aluminium foil which reflects back most of the body heat lost by radiation: carried by climbers, mountaineers, etc, for use in cases of exposure or exhaustion.

Collins Dictionary

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ORIGIN

The term “blanket” arose from a heavy woollen weave pioneered by Thomas Blanket (Blanquette), a Flemish weaver who lived in Bristol, England, in the 14th century.

William Shakespeare was the first person to use blanket as a verb - meaning to cover as with a blanket, in his play King Lear.

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BATTLE BLANKETS

According to intelligence reports from Afghanistan, the Taliban use space blankets to avoid detection from U.S. thermal imaging cameras. The space blankets hold in the wearer’s body heat, making him less likely to show up on camera as a concentrated area of warmth.

Philip Smucker, “U.S. soldiers’ options limited to protect Afghans from Taliban”

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SYNONYMS

emergency blanket, first aid blanket, mylar blanket, reflective blanket, safety blanket, SPACE BLANKET, survival blanket, thermal blanket, weather blanket, heat sheet, shock blanket

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BLANKET PHRASES

- born on the wrong side of the blanket = illegitimate (uneheliches Kind)

- blanket bath = an all-over wash given to a person confined to bed  

- blanket finish = (in athletics, horse racing) a finish so close that a blanket would cover all the contestants involved

- security blanket (1) = a policy of temporary secrecy by police to protect a person or place threatened with danger

- security blanket (2) = a baby’s blanket, soft toy, etc., to which a baby or young child becomes very attached, using it as a comforter

- security blanket (3) = anything used or thought of as providing reassurance

- wet blanket = a person whose low spirits or lack of enthusiasm have a depressing effect on others (informal)

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PRACTICE OWAD in a conversation, say something like:

“In Germany SPACE BLANKETS are compulsory in car first-aid kits.”

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HERZLICHEN DANK to all readers helping me keep OWAD alive with single or monthly donations at:

https://donorbox.org/please-become-a-friend-of-owad-3

Paul Smith