water waggon
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A water waggon is a vehicle, typically a wagon or cart, designed to transport and sometimes distribute water. Historically, it was used to supply water to military troops, work crews, or to dampen dusty roads.
Usage
The term is used to refer to the specific vehicle itself. It is a compound noun where "water" describes the type of "waggon." * The town sent the water waggon to settle the dust on the unpaved street. * During the drought, a water waggon made daily rounds to the remote village.
Advanced Usage
- On the water wagon: This is a common idiomatic expression meaning to abstain from drinking alcohol. It humorously references the idea of someone drinking water from such a wagon instead of alcoholic beverages.
- After the party, he decided to get on the water wagon for a month.
Variants and Related Words
- Water wagon (noun): The more common modern spelling, especially in American English. It has the same meaning as "water waggon."
- The fire department's antique water wagon is on display.
Synonyms
- Water cart
- Water tanker (for larger, modern vehicles)
Related Idioms
- To be on the water wagon / waggon: To have given up drinking alcohol, to be teetotal.
- She's been on the water wagon since New Year's Day.
- To fall off the water wagon / waggon: To resume drinking alcohol after a period of abstinence.
- He fell off the water wagon at his brother's wedding.
Noun
- a wagon that carries water (as for troops or work gangs or to sprinkle down dusty dirt roads in the summertime)