drain-pipe

A worker cleans leaves from the drain-pipe on the side of the house.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A pipe for carrying off rainwater or waste water: "drain-pipe" refers to a pipe, typically vertical, that conveys water from a building's roof or interior to a drainage system.
   • A narrow, tubular style of clothing: In informal usage, "drain-pipe" describes a very narrow, tight-fitting leg of trousers or jeans, resembling a pipe.

Usage Examples

• Noun (primary meaning):

  • The old drain-pipe was clogged with leaves, causing water to overflow. (A pipe for carrying rainwater from the roof.)
  • During the storm, the drain-pipe carried the runoff safely away from the foundation. (A pipe for waste water disposal.)

• Noun (informal clothing sense):

  • He wore drain-pipe jeans that hugged his legs tightly. (Trousers with very narrow legs, like a pipe.)
  • The fashion of the 1950s included drain-pipe trousers for men. (A style of tight-fitting pants.)

Advanced Usage

• "drain-pipe trousers": a specific term for narrow-legged pants.

  • The rockabilly musician always performed in drain-pipe trousers. (Very tight, straight-leg trousers.)

• "drain-pipe collar": an old-fashioned, high, stiff collar.

  • The gentleman wore a drain-pipe collar with his formal suit. (A stiff, upright collar.)

Variants and Related Words

• Drainpipe (n, variant spelling): same as "drain-pipe", often written as one word.

  • The drainpipe needed replacement after years of rust. (The pipe for drainage.)

• Pipe (n): a tube used to convey liquids or gases (broader term).

  • The plumber replaced the broken pipe. (A general tube, not specifically for drainage.)

Synonyms

• Downpipe: a pipe that carries rainwater from a roof to the ground.
• Waste pipe: a pipe that carries waste water from sinks or toilets.
• Spout: a projecting pipe for discharging water.

Related Idioms

• "Like a drain-pipe": used to describe something very narrow or straight.

  • His legs were thin as drain-pipes. (Extremely slender, like a narrow pipe.)

• "Drain-pipe mind": an informal, rare idiom meaning a narrow, inflexible way of thinking.

  • He has a drain-pipe mind, unable to consider new ideas. (A rigid or limited intellect.)