snow-plow
Definition
Snow-plow (noun) - A device or vehicle used to clear snow from roads, railways, or other surfaces, typically consisting of a large blade or scoop attached to the front of a locomotive, truck, or other motor vehicle.
Usage Examples
- (A device used to remove snow from railroad tracks.)
- (Vehicles equipped with a blade for clearing snow from streets.)
Advanced Usage
- "to act as a snow-plow": to clear a path or remove obstacles, often used metaphorically.
- The new manager acted as a snow-plow for the project, removing all bureaucratic hurdles. (To clear away difficulties or obstructions.)
Variants and Related Words
Snowplow (noun): an alternative spelling of "snow-plow," commonly used in American English.
- The snowplow driver worked through the night to keep the highway passable. (A vehicle or device for clearing snow.)
Snowplowing (noun, verb): the action of using a snow-plow; also used in skiing to describe a technique for slowing down or stopping.
- The city's snowplowing efforts were praised for their efficiency. (The act of clearing snow with a plow.)
- He learned to snowplow on the beginner slope to control his speed. (A skiing technique involving pointing ski tips together.)
Synonyms
- Snow clearer: a general term for any device that removes snow.
- Snow blower: a machine that blows snow away, distinct from a plow that pushes it.
- Snow scraper: a simpler tool for removing snow from smaller surfaces.
Related Idioms
- "to plow through": to move through something with force or determination, often used metaphorically.
- She had to plow through a mountain of paperwork to finish the report. (To work through a large amount of material or obstacles.)
Phrasal Verbs
Plow ahead: to continue moving forward or making progress despite difficulties.
- Despite the objections, the committee decided to plow ahead with the new policy. (To proceed without hesitation.)
Plow into: to crash into something with force.
- The truck lost control and plowed into a snowbank. (To hit something forcefully.)