horseshoes

Everyday

1. U-shaped metal plates nailed to the bottom of a horse's hooves to protect them. tree →
2. (USA, Canada) horseshoes: a game in which players throw horseshoes at a metal stake in the ground. tree →
3. Something shaped like a U, such as a magnet; a horseshoe is a sign of good luck. tree →

In the lessons

In stories and farm life, the blacksmith fits horseshoes. In maths: a horse has 4 legs so needs 4 horseshoes. In American summer camps and backyards, people play horseshoes. Phrases: play horseshoes, lucky horseshoe, horseshoe magnet.

Examples

• The blacksmith nailed new horseshoes on the pony. tree →
• A horse needs four horseshoes. tree →
• How many horseshoes do 5 horses need? Twenty. tree →
• We played horseshoes at the picnic. tree →
• A horseshoe hangs over the door for luck. tree →
• The horseshoe magnet picked up the pins. tree →

Note

Plural of horseshoe. The game "horseshoes" takes a singular verb: "horseshoes is fun". Maths: 4 horseshoes per horse, so multiply horses by 4. A horseshoe for luck is a superstition, not a fact.