dog-lead

A woman holds a dog-lead while her small dog walks beside her.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A strap or chain for controlling a dog: A "dog-lead" is a length of material, such as leather, nylon, or chain, attached to a dog's collar or harness, used by the owner to restrain, guide, or walk the animal.

Usage Examples

• (The strap used to control the dog during walks.)
• (A leash for safety and control.)
• (The restraining strap broke.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be on a dog-lead": to be physically restrained by a lead.
  • The puppy was on a dog-lead for the first time and pulled excitedly. (The puppy was attached to a lead for control.)
• "to let the dog-lead go slack": to allow more freedom of movement by loosening the lead.
  • In the open field, the owner let the dog-lead go slack so the dog could explore. (The owner loosened the lead to give the dog more room.)

Variants and Related Words

• Dog lead (n): an alternative spelling of "dog-lead," meaning the same thing.
  • He bought a retractable dog lead for longer walks. (A leash that can extend and retract.)
• Leash (n): a synonym for a dog-lead, especially common in American English.
  • The city requires all dogs to be on a leash in public parks. (A restraining strap or cord.)
• Lead (n): a general term for a strap or cord used to control an animal, often used alone as a synonym for "dog-lead."
  • She unhooked the lead from the dog's collar. (The restraining strap.)

Synonyms

• Leash: a strap or cord for restraining and guiding a dog.
• Tether: a rope or chain used to tie an animal to a fixed object.
• Collar lead: a lead attached directly to a collar.

Related Idioms

• "To be on a short lead": to be kept under strict control, often used metaphorically.
  • The rebellious teenager was kept on a short lead by his parents. (He was closely supervised and restricted.)
• "To slip the lead": to escape from restraint.
  • The clever dog slipped the lead and ran after a squirrel. (The dog escaped from the lead.)