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tack

tack

18 7.7
The direction a sailing boat moves relative to the wind
  • noun
  • /tæk/
  • Specialized
translation icon : virada
  • Taking a different tack, she involved her students as equal partners in the problem-solving process.
  • take another tack
  • a different tack
  • change tack

Examples

  • We'll go on the other tack now.

  • "Uh, this is not exactly the tack I expected you gentlemen to take.

    Fiction book (2001)
  • I think I'll try a whole new tack next time.

  • I'm taking a different tack.

  • I'd better stick on this port tack.

  • By studying the whims of the wind, he could steer the most favorable tack.

    Fiction book (2002)
  • Near mutiny and false sightings of land had left them divided on what tack to take.

    Academic text (1992)
  • We need to change tack to navigate through the challenging waters ahead.

  • Sailing against the wind requires a careful tack to avoid capsizing.

  • He adjusted the boat's tack to make the most of the breeze from the left.

Synonyms

tacking
vstack
  • Specialized
8.6

Turning a sailboat through the wind so it sails on the other side

also means a boat's direction or course as well as the turning action

Antonyms

1.0

To remain in one place and not leave

Idioms

sharp as a tack
  • Informal
5 6.7

Able to understand new things very quickly

Compounds

1 5.7

A small sharp nail with a flat head that holds a carpet to the floor

1 6.5

A small decorative pin that holds a tie to a shirt

tailor's tack
  • Specialized
9.5

A temporary loose loop stitch that marks where to fold or sew fabric

A small light hammer used to drive small nails into wood

1.6

A game for two players who take turns marking a three by three grid to make three in a row

Surface Forms

tack singular
tacks plural

Etymology

Tack in sailing means the boat's course or direction and can mean the act of changing that course; a helpful way to remember is to think of a new 'tactic' or path you choose for the boat.