to climb/ascend a scaffold
Yes, 'mount the scaffold' is a metaphoric idiom - referring to the scaffold used for executions. It means someone is in big trouble!
I can't imagine anyone saying they 'mount' a literal real-life scaffold.
I can't imagine anyone saying they 'mount' a literal real-life scaffold.
Students: We have free audio pronunciation exercises.
Comments
Depending on context, mount the scaffold can have different meanings. For instance, if someone is in trouble at work and needs to meet with an angry boss, a co-worker might say something like Prepare to mount the scaffold. In this context the speaker probably is thinking of the second definition, though the person is not being literal. (He/she is exaggerating for effect).
That said, the other uses probably are more common these days.
from www.dictionary.com
scaf‧fold –noun
a suspended platform that is used by painters, window washers, and others for working on a tall structure, as a skyscraper.
(other definitions)
No. It means basically 'go to face big trouble or danger'.
Clive