tow

Everyday

1. To tow something is to pull it behind a vehicle or boat, using a rope, chain or bar. tree →
2. A tow is the act of towing, as in "give someone a tow". tree →
3. "In tow" means following closely behind, as in "with three children in tow". tree →
4. The tough, rough fibre of flax or hemp, combed out before it is spun into thread. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life, a breakdown truck tows a broken-down car, and cars tow caravans and trailers. In road safety and parking, a car parked illegally can be towed away. In science, towing is a pulling force. Phrases: "tow truck", "tow away", "give someone a tow", "in tow", "tow rope".

Examples

• The tow truck towed our car to the garage. tree →
• Dad's car tows the caravan on holiday. tree →
• If you park there, your car will be towed away. tree →
• The tractor gave the stuck car a tow out of the mud. tree →
• Mum arrived with all five of us in tow. tree →
• The boat towed the water-skier across the lake. tree →
• When they saw the wee bannock come in, they jumped up, and got behind the goodwife, that was carding tow by the fire. tree →

Note

Regular verb: towed. Homophone: toe (on your foot). Trap: it is "in tow" (following), not "in toe"; but "toe the line" (obey rules) uses toe. A tow truck is also called a breakdown truck (UK) or wrecker (US).

In Jewish tradition

Samson snaps his bonds as easily as a thread of tow touched by fire, and in Isaiah it pictures the wicked burning up.

Interpretation. Tradition reads Samson's strength as a gift of God's spirit. Isaiah's image shows that the mighty who rely on themselves are as weak as tow.

Examples

• And the strong shall be as tow, and his work as a spark; and they shall both burn together, and none shall quench them. (Prophets ISA.1.31, JPS 1917) tree →
• And she said unto him: 'The Philistines are upon thee, Samson.' And he broke the bowstrings as a string of tow is broken when it toucheth the fire. (Prophets JDG.16.9, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Regular verb: towed. Homophone: toe (on your foot). Trap: it is "in tow" (following), not "in toe"; but "toe the line" (obey rules) uses toe. A tow truck is also called a breakdown truck (UK) or wrecker (US).