water-waggon
Definition
- Noun:
- A vehicle for transporting water: "water-waggon" refers to a wagon or cart designed to carry and distribute water, often used for street watering or supplying water in areas without piped systems.
- A water tanker: In modern contexts, it can denote a truck or trailer equipped with a tank for delivering water, especially for agricultural or construction purposes.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The municipal water-waggon sprayed the dusty streets to keep them clean. (A vehicle used for watering roads.)
- During the drought, a water-waggon delivered fresh water to the remote village. (A tanker providing water supply.)
Advanced Usage
"on the water-waggon": An idiomatic expression (often misspelled as "water wagon") meaning to abstain from alcoholic drinks, typically temporarily.
- He's been on the water-waggon since his doctor advised him to quit drinking. (He has stopped consuming alcohol.)
"to fall off the water-waggon": To resume drinking alcohol after a period of abstinence.
- She fell off the water-waggon at the party last night. (She started drinking again.)
Variants and Related Words
Water-wagon (n): an alternative spelling of "water-waggon," used primarily in American English.
- The old water-wagon was pulled by horses in the 19th century. (A historical water vehicle.)
Water cart (n): a similar vehicle for carrying and distributing water, often with a tank or barrel.
- A water cart sprayed the gravel road to reduce dust. (A water distribution vehicle.)
Synonyms
- Water tanker: a truck or trailer designed to transport large quantities of water.
- Water truck: a motor vehicle equipped with a water tank for delivery or spraying.
- Water bowser: a mobile water container, often used in rural or emergency settings.
Related Idioms
- On the water-waggon: (see Advanced Usage) a phrase meaning abstaining from alcohol.
- Fall off the water-waggon: (see Advanced Usage) to relapse into drinking alcohol after a period of sobriety.