lash

Everyday

1. An eyelash: one of the small hairs growing on the edge of your eyelid. tree →
2. A hit with a whip, or the thin part of a whip. tree →
3. (verb) To hit hard and repeatedly, like rain or waves: «Rain lashed the windows». tree →
4. (verb) To tie things tightly with rope. tree →
5. (lash out) To suddenly attack or shout at someone in anger. tree →

In the lessons

In science: eyelashes protect eyes from dust. In stories and weather: rain and wind «lash» the coast — a strong, violent picture. In lessons on feelings: «lashing out» when angry hurts others; take a breath first. Phrases: «eyelashes», «lash out (at)», «lash down», «lashing rain».

Examples

• An eyelash fell onto my cheek. tree →
• Rain lashed against the window all night. tree →
• The sailors lashed the boxes to the deck. tree →
• Waves lashed the rocks during the storm. tree →
• When he was upset, he lashed out at his friends. tree →
• The horse's tail lashed from side to side. tree →
• Long lashes protect a camel's eyes from sand. tree →

Note

Plural: lashes (-es after sh). Verb: lashed, lashing. «Lashings of» (UK informal) means lots of: lashings of cream. In old times criminals got «lashes» with a whip — that is no longer allowed in most countries.