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# a teachable moment

phrase (noun phrase: a teachable moment, teachable moments)

«a teachable moment» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

1. a moment that is a good chance to teach something.
2. (euphemism, spin) a mistake or embarrassing event turned into a lesson.

### In the lessons

Teachers, parents, US first; everyday and school; also used to soften embarrassing incidents.

### Examples

- The spilled paint became a teachable moment about mixing colours.
- Mum turned the broken window into a teachable moment.
- Politician: «This is a teachable moment for all of us.»
- Losing the game was a teachable moment about teamwork.
- Teacher: «Let's use this as a teachable moment.»
- Chat: «Dad called my burnt toast a teachable moment.»

### Note

Plain sense is positive. When an adult says it after a scandal, it may hide blame. Same family as «a learning opportunity».