tow-line

A small boat is pulled by a tow-line across the calm lake.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A rope or cable used for towing: A "tow-line" is a strong rope, cable, or chain used to pull a vessel, vehicle, or object, typically by another vessel or vehicle.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The tugboat attached its tow-line to the disabled ship. (The tugboat used a rope to pull the broken ship.)
  • The driver secured the tow-line to the front of the broken car before the tow truck moved. (The driver fastened the cable to the car for pulling.)

Advanced Usage

• "to pay out the tow-line": to release or let out the towing cable gradually.

  • The captain ordered the crew to pay out the tow-line carefully to avoid snapping it. (The crew released the rope slowly to prevent breakage.)

• "to snag a tow-line": to catch or entangle the towing cable on an obstacle.

  • The tow-line snagged on a submerged rock, halting the rescue effort. (The cable got caught on a rock under water.)

Variants and Related Words

• Tow-rope (n): another term for tow-line, especially used for vehicles or smaller boats.

  • The truck driver used a tow-rope to pull the stranded car. (A rope for towing a vehicle.)

• Tow-cable (n): a stronger, often metal cable used for heavy-duty towing.

  • The tow-cable was thick enough to pull the large yacht. (A metal cable for towing.)

• Tow (v): to pull something behind a vehicle or vessel using a tow-line.

  • The car was towed to the garage. (The car was pulled by a tow truck.)

Synonyms

• Towing rope: a rope specifically designed for pulling.
• Hauling line: a line used for pulling heavy objects.
• Tug-line: a line attached to a tugboat for towing.

Phrasal Verbs

• Tow away: to remove a vehicle by pulling it with a tow-line.

  • The police had the illegally parked car towed away. (The car was pulled away by a tow truck.)

• Tow in: to pull a vessel or vehicle into a dock or garage.

  • The fishing boat was towed in after its engine failed. (The boat was pulled into the harbor.)

Related Idioms

• "on the tow-line": being pulled or dependent on something else.

  • The small sailboat was on the tow-line of the larger yacht. (The small boat was being pulled by the larger one.)

• "cut the tow-line": to end a dependency or connection abruptly.

  • The business cut the tow-line with its failing partner. (The business ended its reliance on the partner.)