soap·box

(sōp′bŏks′)

1. A carton in which soap is packed.

2. A temporary platform used while making an impromptu or nonofficial public speech.

intr.v. soap·boxed, soap·box·ing, soap·box·es Informal

To engage in impromptu or nonofficial public speaking, often flamboyantly.

Idiom:

on (one's) soapbox

Speaking one's views passionately or self-importantly.

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

soapbox

(ˈsəʊpˌbɒks)

1. (Commerce) a box or crate for packing soap

2. a crate used as a platform for speech-making

3. (Other Non-sporting Hobbies) a child's homemade racing cart consisting of a wooden box set on a wooden frame with wheels and a steerable front axle

Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014

soap′box`

or soap′ box`,

an improvised platform, as one on a street, from which a speaker delivers an informal speech or political harangue.

[1650–60]

ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:

Noun	1.	soapbox - a crate for packing soap crate - a rugged box (usually made of wood); used for shipping
	2.	soapbox - a platform raised above the surrounding level to give prominence to the person on it ambo, dais, podium, pulpit, rostrum, stump platform - a raised horizontal surface; "the speaker mounted the platform"

Translations

palco improvvisato

soapbox

[ˈsəʊpbɒks]

A. N → tribuna f improvisada

B. CPD soapbox orator N → orador(a) m/f callejero/a

Collins Spanish Dictionary - Complete and Unabridged 8th Edition 2005 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1971, 1988 © HarperCollins Publishers 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2003, 2005

soapbox

[ˈsəʊpbɒks] n → tribune f improvisée (en plein air)

Collins English/French Electronic Resource. © HarperCollins Publishers 2005

soapbox

[ˈsəʊpˌbɒks] n → palco improvvisato (per orazioni pubbliche)

Collins Italian Dictionary 1st Edition © HarperCollins Publishers 1995

Mentioned in

References in periodicals archive

"That was more than a prayer, that was a soapbox," Sen.

Colorado legislative prayer causes controversy. (Around The States)

If Campbell could stand on a soapbox and preach to his CPA peers, there are several areas of concern he hopes they would pay attention to.

LEADING the CHARGE

His show is more of a soapbox to share his views, whether it's through jokes that imply support of the death penalty or opposition to President Bush's policies on the environment: "Bush visited Arlington National Cemetery today.

News blasters: TV's late-night comedians find the quickest way to your brain is through your funny bone. (arts)

The Internet has become an electronic soapbox for unhappy policyholders to voice complaints.

Power of the People

The result is true Wiley wit--"Brothers on a Soapbox"--which gives both props and context to some of our best writing minds.

from the editor-in-chief

There was a joke at the time about a man standing on the proverbial soapbox in a park haranguing the few who had stopped to listen: "And do you know why the government can't tell you the answers, ladies and gentlemen?

Managing Government Records & Information

IRISH-born trainer Niall O'Callan recorded his first Grade 1 victory in the US when he sent out On A Soapbox to win the Coaching Club American Oaks at Belmont Park on saturday, writes Dan Farley.

Soapbox is Oaks hero for O'Callan; UNITED STATES

Looking like a high-tech soapbox racer topped with a flat board, the Solectria V finished ahead of the only other competitor--the Mana La--which is sponsored by John Paul Mitchell Systems of Hawaii.

MIT wins first American solar car race

When 18-year old Arran Evison climbs into the Dolphin team vehicle at the Red Bull Soapbox Race in Alexandra Palace, London, on Sunday, he could be the youngest driver to be taking part.

Soapbox takes pole position; STAR BRIEFING

6.30 Speed with Guy Martin The motorbike fan sets out to build the world's fastest soapbox racer in an attempt to set a new speed record.

Channel 4

Rob Sweeney EngTech MIMechE, his brother John Sweeney, and friends John Johns and Adam Turrall competed as Team Kart Kapone in the London Red Bull Soapbox Race 2015, watched by a crowd of 20,000 supporters.

From hand-pressing to wacky racing: a fun family journey