- To build or repair something quickly and temporarily using whatever materials are available, often resulting in a makeshift, crude, or unconventional solution.
Explanation
Origin
- Origin is debated, but the most likely source is nautical.
- A jury mast was a temporary mast set up on a ship after the original was damaged, using available spars and rigging. To rig means to set up equipment.
- A jury-rigged solution is therefore an improvised, temporary setup.
- It's often confused with jerry-built, which means poorly constructed from the beginning with cheap materials, rather than an improvised repair. Usage often overlaps today.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- MacGyver it / Hack it
- Kludge it / Bodge it (UK/Aus)
- Rig it up / Cobble it together
- Hold it together with spit and baling wire / duct tape and hope (Humorous, emphasizes fragility)
Milder/Standard:
- Improvise a repair/solution
- Create a makeshift fix
- Patch temporarily
Situational Appropriateness
- Generally informal. Implies a temporary and possibly crude solution.
- Might be used in technical fields, but understood as non-standard/temporary.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Do not confuse with a legal jury.
- Can be confused with jerry-built (shoddy initial construction). Jury-rigged implies an improvised repair/solution.
Examples
- The exhaust pipe fell off, so we jury-rigged it back on with a coat hanger.
- We needed a temporary shelter, so we jury-rigged a tarp between two trees.
- He jury-rigged the broken lamp using duct tape and paper clips.
Dialogue
Hiker 1: Oh no, the strap on my backpack just snapped! And we're miles from the car.
Hiker 2: Let me see... Okay, got any strong cord or duct tape?
Hiker 1: I have some duct tape in my first-aid kit.
Hiker 2: Perfect. Let's jury-rig this strap. It might not be comfortable, but it should hold your pack together until we get back.
Hiker 1: Phew, okay. Thanks!
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: My glasses broke right before a meeting. Had to jury-rig them with tape. Lookin' sharp! 😂 #WorkFromHome #DIYfail
- Reddit Post (r/DIY): Had to jury-rig a temporary fix for the leaky pipe until the plumber arrives. Fingers crossed it holds! [Photo]
- Instagram Story: Camping trip update: Tent pole snapped, but we jury-rigged a solution with a hiking pole! #CampingHacks #Improvisation
Response Patterns
- Amusement/Admiration: Haha, nice improvisation! / Wow, that's clever!
- Concern/Skepticism: Is that safe? / How long will that hold?
- Relating: Reminds me of when I had to jury-rig my...
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After seeing/hearing about a jury-rigged item:
- Ask How did you do that? or What did you use?.
- Inquire about its stability or safety.
- Ask about plans for a permanent fix.
Conversation Starter
- No. Describes an action taken, usually out of necessity.
Intonation
- Stress often on JU-ry and rig. We had to JU-ry-RIG a fix.
Generation Differences
- Understood by most, but perhaps more familiar to older generations or those involved in hands-on work. Younger generations might be more familiar with MacGyver or life hack.
Regional Variations
- More common in American English. British/Australian English might prefer bodge or cobble together.