long-handled spade

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Word: Long-handled spade

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: A long-handled spade is a tool used for digging. It has a long handle, which makes it easier to dig in narrow places, like ditches. The blade (the flat part that digs) is usually sharp and helps to break up the soil.

Usage Instructions:

• A long-handled spade is mainly used in gardening or landscaping.
• It is especially useful for digging in tight spaces where a regular spade might be too short or difficult to maneuver.

Example:

• "To prepare the garden for planting, Sarah used her long-handled spade to dig narrow trenches for the seeds."

Advanced Usage:

• In more advanced gardening techniques, a long-handled spade can be used for creating furrows or drains to manage water flow in the garden.

Word Variants:

• Spade: A general term for a digging tool, which can come in various sizes and shapes.
• Hand spade: A smaller version that can be used with one hand for finer gardening tasks.

Different Meanings:

• The word "spade" can also refer to a playing card suit (hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades) in games like poker or bridge.
• In slang, "to call a spade a spade" means to speak frankly about something, even if it is uncomfortable.

Synonyms:

• Garden spade
• Digging spade
• Trowel (though a trowel is usually smaller than a spade)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• "Call a spade a spade" - This idiom means to speak honestly and directly about something, especially if it is unpleasant.
• There are no specific phrasal verbs related to "long-handled spade," but you can use "dig up" or "dig in" in the context of gardening or using a spade.

Summary:

A long-handled spade is a useful gardening tool designed for digging in narrow areas. It's important for tasks like preparing soil and creating ditches.

Academic

Noun

1. a spade with a long handle for digging narrow ditches

Synonyms

• ditch spade