toad
/toud/
Definition
- Noun:
- An amphibian: A toad is a type of amphibian characterized by a stout body, short legs, dry, often warty skin, and a lack of a tail. Unlike many frogs, toads are typically more terrestrial as adults.
- (Figurative, informal) An unpleasant or contemptible person: Used as a derogatory term to describe someone considered repulsive or despicable.
Usage Examples
- Noun (Animal):
- We found a toad hiding under a damp log in the garden.
- Toads often return to water to breed.
- Noun (Figurative):
- After he betrayed the team, they all thought he was a real toad.
- She called her greedy landlord a miserable old toad.
Advanced Usage
- "a toad under a harrow": Someone who is constantly persecuted or in a miserable situation.
- He felt like a toad under a harrow, always being criticized by his boss.
- "toad-eater" or "toady" (historical): A sycophant or flatterer. This originates from the old practice of charlatans' assistants pretending to eat toads (then thought to be poisonous) to demonstrate their master's healing powers.
- He was nothing but a toady, always agreeing with the manager to gain favor.
Variants and Related Words
- Toady (noun/verb): A person who behaves obsequiously to gain advantage; to act in such a manner.
- He was accused of toadying to the executives.
- Toadlike (adjective): Resembling or characteristic of a toad.
- He gave a toadlike grin.
- Toadstool (noun): A poisonous or inedible fungus, typically with a cap and stalk, resembling a mushroom. (Note: This is a compound word; it is not directly related to the animal but shares the root word "toad" due to old folk beliefs about its toxicity).
Synonyms
- Amphibian: The biological class to which toads belong.
- Frog: A related amphibian, often confused with toads. Key differences include frogs having smoother, moister skin and longer legs for jumping.
- (Figurative) Reprobate: An unprincipled person.
- (Figurative) Wretch: A despicable or unfortunate person.
Phrasal Verbs / Common Phrases
- None commonly associated directly with the noun "toad." The verb form "to toady" is derived from the noun.
Related Idioms
- "You have to kiss a lot of toads to find a prince.": A humorous saying meaning you have to go through many bad experiences or meet many unsuitable people before finding something or someone wonderful.
- Dating can be frustrating, but remember, you have to kiss a lot of toads to find a prince.
Noun
-
any of various tailless stout-bodied amphibians with long hind limbs for leaping; semiaquatic and terrestrial species
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