tack

/tˈæk/

/ˈtæk/

Tack

a small, sharp-pointed fastener typically made of metal or plastic, used for attaching fabric, leather, or other materials to a surface

synonyms : tack nail

sailing a zigzag course

(nautical) the act of changing tack

synonyms : tacking

gear for a horse

synonyms : saddlery

stable gear

(nautical) a line (rope or chain) that regulates the angle at which a sail is set in relation to the wind

synonyms : mainsheet

sheet

shroud

weather sheet

the heading or position of a vessel relative to the trim of its sails

to tack

[VERB]

MAIN VERB

fasten with tacks

turn into the wind

synonyms : wear round

reverse (a direction, attitude, or course of action)

synonyms : alternate

sew together loosely, with large stitches

synonyms : baste

fix to; attach

synonyms : append

hang on

tack on

tag on

create by putting components or members together

synonyms : assemble

antonyms : disassemble

Examples

1. He remained sharp as a tack.

2. He's as sharp as a tack.

3. My grandfather is a bit soft in the head, but he's still sharp as a tack when it comes to telling stories.

4. The situation was so serious that after a few polite exchanges they quickly got down to brass tacks.

Nearby words