thews

A blacksmith's strong thews are visible as he hammers a glowing horseshoe.

Definition

1. Noun (plural):
   • Muscles or sinews: "thews" refers to the muscular strength or physical power of a person, often implying well-developed muscles or sinews.
   • Mental or moral strength: In a figurative sense, "thews" can denote vigor or resilience of character, such as courage or determination.

Usage Examples

• (His well-developed muscles showed physical strength.)
• (She demonstrated mental or moral fortitude.)

Advanced Usage

• "thews and sinews": a fixed phrase emphasizing physical strength and bodily power.
  • The blacksmith's thews and sinews were hardened by years of labor. (His muscles and tendons were strong from work.)

Variants and Related Words

• Thewy (adj): having strong muscles; muscular.
  • The thewy wrestler dominated the match. (The muscular wrestler won easily.)

Synonyms

• Sinews: tendons or ligaments, often used metaphorically for strength.
• Braun: physical strength, especially in muscles.
• Vigor: active physical or mental strength.

Related Idioms

• "Strain every thew": to exert maximum physical effort.
  • He strained every thew to push the boulder up the hill. (He used all his muscle power.)