tow-rope
Definition
Noun: A tow-rope is a strong rope or cable used for pulling a vehicle, boat, or other object. It is specifically designed to transmit the pulling force from one object (the towing vehicle) to another (the object being towed).
Usage Examples
- (A rope used to pull a disabled vehicle.)
- (A rope used for towing a vessel.)
- (A rope stored for potential towing needs.)
Advanced Usage
- "to be on a tow-rope": to be in the process of being towed.
- The yacht was on a tow-rope after its engine failed. (The yacht was being pulled by another boat using a tow-rope.)
- "to snap a tow-rope": to break the rope under tension.
- The tow-rope snapped under the strain of pulling the heavy trailer. (The rope broke because the pulling force was too great.)
Variants and Related Words
- Tow-line (n): another term for a tow-rope, especially in nautical contexts.
- The tugboat cast off the tow-line after the ship was safely docked. (The rope used for towing a ship.)
- Tow-cable (n): a cable made of metal or synthetic material used for towing, often stronger than a rope.
- The tow-cable can handle loads up to ten tons. (A cable designed for heavy towing.)
- Towing rope (n): a synonym for tow-rope, emphasizing its use in towing.
- The towing rope was frayed and needed replacement. (A rope used for towing.)
Synonyms
- Haul line: a rope used for pulling heavy objects.
- Tug rope: a rope specifically for tugging or pulling.
- Draw rope: a rope used for drawing or pulling something along.
Related Idioms
- "On the end of a tow-rope": in a position of being pulled or controlled.
- The small boat was on the end of a tow-rope, following the larger vessel. (The small boat was being towed.)