Skip to content

Table of Contents

The word for today is…

hew (verb):

transitive verb
1: to cut with blows of a heavy cutting instrument
2: to cut down by blows of an axe
3: to give form or shape to with or as if with heavy cutting blows

intransitive verb
1: to make cutting blows (as with an axe)
2: conform, adhere

Source : Merriam -Webster

Etymology : Without context, the contrasting meanings of hew may seem arbitrary. What does shaping something with an axe have to do with conforming or adhering to something? If you're not a lumberjack, that's okay, we'll explain. The connection lies in the woodworking phrase "hew to the line," where line refers to the mark along the length of a log indicating where to chop in order to shape a beam. "Hewing to the line," literally, is cutting along the mark—adhering to it—until the side of the log is squared. In the 1800s, "hew to the line" was used figuratively as half of the idiom "hew to the line, let the chips fall where they may," to advise someone to stay true to a course of action, whatever the consequences may be. Over time the latter half of the phrase has been, well, hewn off.

If you enjoyed this Good Oil word of the day please consider sharing it with your friends and, especially, your children.

Latest

The Good Oil Word of the Day

The Good Oil Word of the Day

The word for today is… valuable (adjective, noun) - adjective 1a: having monetary value b: worth a good price 2a: having desirable or esteemed characteristics or qualities b: of great use or service noun : a usually personal possession (such as jewelry) of relatively great monetary value — usually used in plural

Members Public
The Good Oil Daily Bible Verse

The Good Oil Daily Bible Verse

The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go.

Members Public
Night Cap

Night Cap

If you have a great Youtube, Rumble or Vimeo video to share send it to videos@goodoil.news If you're loving this trusty, straight-up news on Kiwi politics and beyond, why not become a paid member, eh? Unlock exclusive yarns, podcasts, vids, and in-depth analysis—your support keeps

Members Public