Basic Details
Word: Dredge
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To remove mud, dirt, or other material from the bottom of a river, lake, or other body of water.
Synonyms: Excavate, scoop, clear
Antonyms: Fill, cover, bury
Idioms and Phrases
- Dredging up the past: To bring up old memories or events that are better left forgotten. Example: "He keeps dredging up the past, making it hard for us to move on."
- Dredging your own grave: To create problems for oneself through one's actions. Example: "If you don't study, you're just dredging your own grave for the exams."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The workers used a dredge to clear the river of debris after the storm.
Example 2: In an effort to improve the harbour, the city decided to dredge the area to allow larger ships to enter.
Example 3: During the summer, the locals organised a dredging operation to keep the lake clean and safe for swimming.
Fun Fact
Did you know that dredging has been used for centuries, dating back to ancient times when people would dig canals to improve trade routes? Today, it is also important for environmental preservation and maintaining waterways.
Famous Quote
"You cannot dredge the depths of the ocean without sending a wave over the surface." Unknown
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "dredge" mean?
a) To build a house
b) To remove mud or dirt from a body of water
c) To plant a garden
d) To cook food
Answer: b) To remove mud or dirt from a body of water
2. Which of these is a synonym of "dredge"?
a) Cover
b) Clear
c) Abandon
d) Ignore
Answer: b) Clear
3. Which of the following is an antonym of "dredge"?
a) Excavate
b) Fill
c) Scoop
d) Clear
Answer: b) Fill
4. Which sentence uses "dredge" correctly?
a) I will dredge my homework on time.
b) They decided to dredge the pond to make it safer for fishing.
c) He dredged the cake with frosting.
d) She dredged the car in the garage.
Answer: b) They decided to dredge the pond to make it safer for fishing.
5. What does the idiom "dredging up the past" mean?
a) To forget old memories
b) To remember enjoyable times
c) To bring up old memories that are better forgotten
d) To create new memories
Answer: c) To bring up old memories that are better forgotten
