clothes-peg

She uses a clothes-peg to hang the wet shirt on the line.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A clip for hanging laundry: "clothes-peg" refers to a small device, typically made of wood or plastic, used to secure items of clothing to a clothesline so they can dry outdoors.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • She used a clothes-peg to attach the wet shirt to the line. (A small clip for hanging laundry.)
  • The wind blew the clothes-peg off the line, and the sock fell to the ground. (The clip failed to hold the clothing.)

Advanced Usage

• "to peg something out": to hang laundry using clothes-pegs.

  • I need to peg out the washing before it rains. (To fasten clothes to a line with clothes-pegs.)

• "clothes-peg" as a metaphor: In some contexts, "clothes-peg" can be used figuratively to describe something that holds or secures in place.

  • His role in the project was like a clothes-peg, keeping all the pieces together. (A metaphorical use meaning a secure fastening point.)

Variants and Related Words

• Clothespin (n): the American English term for "clothes-peg".

  • She bought a bag of clothespins for the laundry. (A synonym for clothes-peg.)

• Peg (n): a short pin or bolt used for fastening; can also refer to a clothes-peg in British English.

  • He hammered a peg into the wall to hang a coat. (A general fastening device, not specific to laundry.)

Synonyms

• Clothespin: a small clip for hanging laundry.
• Laundry clip: a device for securing clothes on a line.

Related Idioms

• "to peg away at something": to work persistently at a task.

  • She pegged away at her homework until it was finished. (To work steadily and diligently.)

• "to take someone down a peg": to humble or reduce someone's pride.

  • His criticism took her down a peg. (To lower someone's self-importance.)