plough-tail

plough-tail

A farmer holds the plough-tail as he guides the oxen through the field.

Definition

Noun: 1. The handle of a plough: "plough-tail" refers to the handle or rear part of a plough, which the farmer holds to guide the implement through the soil. - The farmer gripped the plough-tail firmly as he guided the plough across the field. (The handle used to steer the plough.) 2. Farm work (figurative): In a figurative sense, "plough-tail" represents agricultural labour or the life of a farmer. - He spent his whole life at the plough-tail. (He dedicated his entire life to farming.)

Usage Examples
  • Literal:
    • The wooden plough-tail was worn smooth from years of use. (The handle of the plough had become polished over time.)
  • Figurative:
    • Many young people leave the plough-tail for city jobs. (Many young people abandon agricultural work to seek employment in urban areas.)
Advanced Usage
  • "at the plough-tail": engaged in farming or agricultural work.
    • She was content at the plough-tail, tending to the crops daily. (She found satisfaction in the daily routine of farm labour.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Plough (n): a farming tool used for turning over soil.
    • The plough is an essential tool for planting crops. (The implement used to prepare land for sowing.)
  • Ploughman (n): a person who operates a plough.
    • The ploughman rested after a long day in the fields. (The farmer who drives the plough.)
  • Ploughshare (n): the blade of a plough that cuts through the soil.
    • The ploughshare was sharpened before the harvest season. (The cutting part of the plough.)
Synonyms
  • Plough handle: the part of a plough held by the operator.
  • Plough staff: a long stick used to guide a plough (less common).
  • Farm labour: agricultural work, especially manual tasks.
Related Idioms
  • Put one's hand to the plough-tail: to commit to a task or undertaking, especially a difficult one.
    • Once he put his hand to the plough-tail, he never gave up. (He dedicated himself fully to the work.)
  • Follow the plough-tail: to engage in farming as a way of life.
    • Generations of his family followed the plough-tail. (His ancestors were farmers for many generations.)