Definition

Noun: A short, pointed stake, typically made of wood or metal, that is driven into the ground. Its primary function is to secure a tent or similar structure by anchoring ropes (guy lines) or the tent material itself to the earth, providing stability against wind and tension.

Usage

The term "tent peg" refers specifically to the anchoring device. It is used in the context of camping, outdoor activities, and temporary shelters. - Before the storm, we made sure every tent peg was firmly in the ground. - The instructions said to insert the tent peg at a 45-degree angle away from the tent for better hold. - I can't find the mallet to hammer in the tent pegs.

Advanced Usage

• "To pull up stakes": This idiom, meaning to leave one's home or a familiar situation, originates from the literal action of pulling tent pegs (stakes) out of the ground before moving on.
  • After years in the city, they decided to pull up stakes and move to the countryside.

Variants and Related Words

• Tent stake: A direct synonym, commonly used in American English.
• Peg (general): A broader term for a short pin or bolt used to fasten parts together, hang things, or mark a position. A tent peg is a specific type of peg.
• Guy line / Guy rope: The rope that is attached to the tent peg.
• Mallet: A hammer-like tool, often with a rubber or wooden head, used for driving tent pegs into hard ground.

Synonyms

• Stake
• Pin
• Picket (especially for larger, sturdier versions)

Related Phrasal Verbs/Compounds

• Peg down: To fasten or hold something in place with pegs.
  • We need to peg down the corners of the groundsheet.
• Tent peg bag: A small sack for storing and carrying tent pegs.

Related Idioms

• "A peg to hang something on": A fact or idea that serves as a support or justification for something else. This uses "peg" in its general metaphorical sense, not specifically a tent peg.
  • The new theory gave scientists a peg to hang their observations on.

Noun

1. a peg driven into the ground to hold a rope supporting a tent