plug-chain

plug-chain

A child pulls the plug-chain to drain the bathtub.

Definition

Noun:
A "plug-chain" is a short chain attached to a stopper (plug) used for basins, bathtubs, or toilets. It allows a person to pull the plug to drain water or flush.

Usage Examples
  • (The chain attached to the sink stopper.)
  • (A chain used to flush the toilet.)
  • (The chain for the bath plug.)
Advanced Usage
  • "to pull the plug-chain": a literal action meaning to drain water or flush.
    • After the bath, he pulled the plug-chain and the water swirled away. (He drained the tub.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Plug (n): the stopper itself, often made of rubber or metal.
    • The plug fits tightly into the drain. (The stopper prevents water from escaping.)
  • Chain (n): a series of connected metal links.
    • The chain was rusty from constant contact with water. (The metal links.)
Synonyms
  • Drain chain: a chain used to operate a drain stopper.
  • Flush chain: a chain for flushing a toilet (less common).
Related Idioms
  • "Pull the plug" (idiom): to stop something abruptly or end a project.
    • The investors decided to pull the plug on the failing business. (They ended the project.)
      (Note: This idiom uses "plug" alone, not "plug-chain," but derives from the physical action of pulling a plug-chain.)
Phrasal Verbs
  • Plug in: to connect an electrical device to a power source.
    • He plugged in the lamp. (Connected it to the socket.)
      (This is unrelated to "plug-chain" but shares the word "plug.")