■ noun
1》 the part of the earth's surface that is not covered by water.
↘an area of ground, especially in terms of its ownership or use.
↘( the ~ ) rural areas and the rural way of life.
↘ S. African a field.
2》 a country or state.
3》 the space between the rifling-grooves in a gun.
■ verb
1》 put on ~ from a boat.
↘go ashore.
↘bring (a fish) to ~ with a net or rod.
↘ informal succeed in obtaining or achieving (something desirable).
2》 (with reference to aircraft, birds, etc.) come or bring down to the ground.
↘come to rest after falling or being thrown.
3》 ( ~ up ) reach a place or destination.
↘( ~ up with ) end up with (an unwelcome situation).
4》 ( ~ someone in ) informal cause someone to be in (a difficult situation).
↘( ~ someone with ) inflict (an unwelcome task or a difficult situation) on someone.
5》 informal inflict (a blow) on someone.
Phrases
how the ~ lies Brit. what the state of affairs is.
in the ~ of the living humorous alive or awake.
the ~ of the free the United States of America.
the ~ of Nod humorous a state of sleep. [punningly, with biblical allusion to the place name Nod (Gen. 4:16).]
~ (or fall ) on one's feet have good luck or success.
Derivatives
~less adjective
~lessness noun
Origin
OE: of Gmc origin.