The running or free end of a line is called the what?

• A. Standing part
• B. Bight
• C. Bitter end
• D. Turn

Answer: (C)

In rope-work terminology, the end of the line you actively handle and work with is the running or free end. That end is called the bitter end. The name comes from sailors’ old habit of holding onto or securing the end so it wouldn’t slip away; losing it would make a task frustrating and difficult to recover, hence the term “bitter.” The other parts you should know: the standing part is the portion that stays fixed, a bight is a U-shaped bend in the rope, and a turn is a wrap around an object.