drain-ditch
Definition
- Noun:
- A channel for carrying away water: "drain-ditch" refers to a long, narrow trench or channel dug into the ground, specifically designed to remove excess water from an area, such as from a field, road, or building foundation. It is a type of ditch that serves a drainage function.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The farmer dug a drain-ditch along the edge of the field to prevent flooding after heavy rain. (A trench to carry away water from the field.)
- Water from the roof flows into a drain-ditch that leads to the main sewer. (A channel for water drainage.)
Advanced Usage
"to clear a drain-ditch": to remove debris or obstructions from a drain-ditch to ensure proper water flow.
- After the storm, they had to clear the drain-ditch of leaves and mud. (Remove blockages from the drainage channel.)
"to dig a drain-ditch": to construct a drain-ditch.
- The construction crew will dig a drain-ditch around the new building. (Create a trench for water removal.)
Variants and Related Words
- Drain (n): a pipe or channel that carries away water or waste.
- The kitchen drain is clogged. (A pipe for removing water.)
- Ditch (n): a long, narrow trench in the ground, often for water flow.
- The car fell into a ditch. (A trench, not necessarily for drainage.)
- Drainage (n): the process or system of removing water from an area.
- Proper drainage is essential for farmland. (The system of water removal.)
- Drainage ditch (n): a synonym for "drain-ditch"; a ditch used specifically for drainage.
- The drainage ditch runs alongside the road. (A channel for water.)
Synonyms
- Drainage channel: a constructed passage for water to flow away.
- Watercourse: a natural or artificial channel for water.
- Trench: a long, narrow excavation, often for water or pipes.
Related Idioms
- "Up a ditch": not a standard idiom; "in the ditch" can mean in a difficult or messy situation, though not directly tied to "drain-ditch."
- After the project failed, he felt like he was in a ditch. (In a difficult position.)