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Rags - to-riches-Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Rags are old, torn, or worn-out pieces of cloth, often used for cleaning or as makeshift materials. They can also symbolize poverty when referring to tattered clothing.

rags

/ræɡz/ /ræɡz/

Definition:

Old, torn, or discarded pieces of cloth, often used for cleaning or as scraps.

Synonyms:

tatters, scraps, shreds, cloth remnants

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

finery, riches, wealth

Common Collocations:

rags to riches, in rags, clean with rags

Derivatives:

ragged (adj.), raggedy (adj.)

Usage Tips:

Use "rags" for old cloth pieces; avoid confusion with "rugs" by emphasizing the "a" sound.

Common Phrases:

from rags to riches, glad rags, in tatters and rags

Etymology:

Originates from Middle English "ragge," likely from Old Norse "rögg," meaning shaggy tuft or rough material.

Examples:

  • 1. She wiped the spill with old rags.
  • 2. The beggar wore tattered rags in the cold.
  • 3. He cleaned his bike using oily rags.
  • 4. She donated her torn clothes as cleaning rags.

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