to tug
22
3.3
- verb
- /tʌɡ/
:
luchar
- Despite the challenges, he continually tugged at the obstacles in his way, motivated to succeed.
Examples
-
She tugged on the rope with all her strength, striving to help her team win the competition.
-
Let's kick things off with some sad news that might tug at your heartstrings.
-
You better believe I'm gonna keep tugging.
-
It's a major accomplishment that we come out every month because there a lot of problems tugging at the whole thing every month.
-
But as Anna drove to her office, a nagging doubt tugged at the corner of her mind.
Fiction book (1998) -
"I could always loop back," he said, tugging playfully on the towel.
Fiction book (1996) -
In the slush of the street, he shivered reflexively, tugging his coat tight around his body.
Fiction book (1991) -
The sigh of relief in the older man's voice tugged at Woo's heart.
Fiction book (1994) -
"Mama, reconsider, please," Isobel begged, tugging at her mother's shawl as the older woman made to rise.
Fiction book (1991) -
In the final moments of the match, the player tugged at his jersey, determined to give his best effort.
Synonyms
851
2.8
To try very hard to do or deal with something difficult
731
1.5
To try hard to achieve something, especially against difficulty
39
5.3
To try very hard to do more than usual
26
2.7
To work hard on difficult physical tasks
4
3.5
Try much harder to work or train
2
7.5
To start working very hard to reach a goal
To work hard and continue when things are difficult
Antonyms
Idioms
- Archaic
To show respect by lowering your head and gently pulling the hair at your forehead
Compounds
How Hard
Surface Forms
Etymology
A helpful way to remember the figurative use of tug is to imagine pulling yourself forward step by step — to 'tug' toward a goal means to keep pulling with effort until you get there.