plough

plough¹ also plow AmE [plau] n

1.) a piece of farm equipment used to turn over the earth so that seeds can be planted

2.) under the plough

BrE formal land that is under the plough is used for growing crops

→↑snow plough

plough ²

plough² v also plow AmE

1.) [I and T]

to turn over the earth using a plough so that seeds can be planted

▪ In those days the land was plowed by oxen.

▪ a ploughed field

2.) [I always + adverb/preposition]

to move with a lot of effort or force

plough through/up/across etc

▪ We ploughed through the thick mud.

3.) plough a lonely/lone furrow

BrE literary to do a job or activity that is different from those done by other people, or to do it alone

plough ahead phr v

to continue to do something in spite of opposition or difficulties

plough ahead with

▪ The government will plough ahead with tests this year, despite a boycott from teachers.

plough back [plough sth<=>back] phr v

to use money that you have earned from a business to make the business bigger and more successful

plough something<=>back into

▪ Companies can plough back their profits into new equipment.

plough into / [plough into sb/sth] phr v

to crash into something or someone, especially while driving, because you are unable to stop quickly enough

▪ I plowed into the car in front.

plough on phr v

to continue doing something that is difficult or boring

plough on with

▪ Julia ploughed on with the endless exam papers.

▪ He looked displeased but she ploughed on regardless .

plough through [plough through sth] phr v

to read all of something, even though it is boring and takes a long time

▪ Most staff will never want to plough through the manuals that come with the software.

plough up [plough sth<=>up] phr v

to break up the surface of the ground by travelling over it many times

▪ Horses plough up the paths and make them muddy for walkers.