crowbait
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- An emaciated horse likely soon to become carrion and so attractive to crows: A derogatory term for a horse that is extremely thin, weak, and old, appearing close to death.
Usage
- The term crowbait is used almost exclusively as a noun to describe a horse in very poor physical condition. It is a vivid, informal, and somewhat harsh or humorous term.
Examples
- Noun:
- The old farmer refused to sell his loyal plow horse, even though the neighbors called it crowbait.
- That swaybacked mare is nothing but crowbait; she won't last the winter.
Advanced Usage
- The term can be used metaphorically or humorously to describe a very old, decrepit vehicle or machine.
- Don't expect to win the race in that crowbait of a car.
- It can also be used as a humorous, self-deprecating term for a person feeling very old or tired.
- After running the marathon, I feel like absolute crowbait.
Variants and Related Words
- Crow-bait: An alternative hyphenated spelling.
- Nag (n): An old or worn-out horse. (Less specific and harsh than ).
- Jade (n): A worn-out, old, or vicious horse. (Archaic).
- Rosinante (n): A term for a broken-down old horse, from the name of Don Quixote's horse. (Literary).
Synonyms
- Bag of bones: A very thin person or animal.
- Skeleton: Something or someone reduced to a mere framework.
- Wreck: Something in a state of severe disrepair.
Antonyms
- Steed: A spirited horse, especially for riding.
- Charger: A horse ridden in battle or by a knight.
- Thoroughbred: A horse of pure breed, noted for its agility and speed.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- Not a kick left in him/her: Having no energy or vitality left. (Can describe a person or animal).
- After the long illness, the old dog doesn't have a kick left in him; he's practically crowbait.
- On one's last legs: Very tired or near the end of life or usefulness.
- That truck is on its last legs; it's turning into crowbait.
Noun
- an emaciated horse likely soon to become carrion and so attractive to crows