tug

Everyday

1. To tug is to pull something suddenly and firmly. tree →
2. A tug is a quick, strong pull. tree →
3. A tug (or tugboat) is a small, strong boat that pushes and pulls big ships in a harbour. tree →
4. «A tug at your heart» is a sudden sad or loving feeling. tree →

In the lessons

In PE and play, «tug of war» is a game where two teams pull a rope in opposite directions. In science, a tug is a pulling force; the stronger force wins. In stories, a child tugs at a parent's sleeve to get attention. Phrases: «tug of war», «tug at», «give it a tug», «tug at your heartstrings».

Examples

• She tugged my sleeve to show me the rainbow. tree →
• Our class won the tug of war. tree →
• Give the rope a good tug. tree →
• A tug pushed the big ship into the dock. tree →
• The dog tugged on its lead. tree →
• The sad film gave my heart a tug. tree →
• Pulling with more force helps your team in a tug of war. tree →
• At last young Lambton felt a mighty tug at his line. tree →

Note

Regular verb but double the g: tugged, tugging. A tug is short and firm; a «pull» can be long and steady. «Tug of war» has no hyphens in most British use.