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.
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.