drain1 verbdrain2 noun
draindrain1 /dreɪn/ ●●○ verb 
WORD ORIGINdrain1
Origin:
Old English dreahnianVERB TABLE
drain
| Simple Form | ||
| Present | I, you, we, they | drain |
| he, she, it | drains | |
| Past | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | drained |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have drained |
| he, she, it | has drained | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had drained |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will drain |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have drained |
| Continuous Form | ||
| Present | I | am draining |
| he, she, it | is draining | |
| you, we, they | are draining | |
| Past | I, he, she, it | was draining |
| you, we, they | were draining | |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have been draining |
| he, she, it | has been draining | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had been draining |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will be draining |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have been draining |
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- A week later, the pond was drained and the fish were inspected.
- Hurriedly draining her cup, she reached for her purse.
- Jim drained his glass then offered to buy everyone another one.
- Listening to customers' complaints all day really drains me.
- The federal insurance fund has been drained by recent bank failures.
- The police even drained the lake in their search for the body.
- To remove algae from your aquarium, drain off the water and wash the tank thoroughly.
- And to leave before both cups had been drained would only offend her.
- Everything had been drained out of me by then, and my eyes were already shut.
- He drained his brandy, and signaled for two more.
- This was needed as the heat was draining the walkers very quickly.
- When cooked, drain well and add to the chicken mixture.
- With a slotted utensil, remove to paper towels to drain.
- Yet they are quick to drain and dry.
Longman Language Activatorto drink all of something
· Come on, drink up. I want to go home.drink something up · Come on, drink your milk up.drink up something · She drank up her brandy and signalled to the waiter to bring another.
informal to quickly drink large quantities of an alcoholic drink: knock back something: · Two bored-looking businessmen were knocking back glasses of schnapps.· He knocked back the last of the bourbon, then lit his last cigarette.knock something back: · When his whisky arrived, he knocked it back in a single gulp.
to drink all of a drink fairly quickly, especially an alcoholic drink: · The servant brought a glass of water, which I downed in a single mouthful.· After downing a whole bottle of tequila, she swallowed several dozen sleeping tablets.
: drain a bottle/glass/cup etc to drink everything that is in a bottle etc, including the last few drops: · Jim drained his glass then offered to buy everyone another one.· Hurriedly draining her cup, she reached for her purse.
to finish something that you enjoy drinking, especially quickly or before someone else can drink it: polish something off: · I think I'll polish that last beer off before George gets in.polish off something: · Did you polish off all the wine last night?
to make something empty to make something empty by removing what was in it: · The garbage cans are emptied once a week.empty your pockets: · The police made us stand against the wall and told us to empty our pockets.empty your glass (=drink everything that is in it): · "See you," he called, emptying his glass and making for the door.
to remove all the liquid from a large container or a machine: · The police even drained the lake in their search for the body.drain off something/drain something off: · To remove algae from your aquarium, drain off the water and wash the tank thoroughly.
to empty a room, cupboard, house etc, especially because you no longer want the things that are in it: clear out something: · I found a pile of her old letters while I was clearing out my desk.clear something out: · We have to clear the garage out this weekend.
British to empty a cupboard, a drawer, pockets etc, especially when you are looking for something: turn out something/turn something out: · The headteacher told them to turn out their pockets.· The thieves had turned out the drawer, scattering the contents on the floor.
WORD SETSabalone, nounacetic acid, nounadditive, nounaftertaste, nounà la carte, adjectiveal dente, adjectivealfresco, adjectiveambrosia, nounangelica, nounaniseed, nounantipasto, nounappetizer, nounarrowroot, nounbad, adjectivebaker, nounbaking powder, nounbaking soda, nounbanana split, nounbanger, nounbanquet, nounbanqueting hall, nounbarbie, nounbarley, nounbasil, nounbass, nounbatch, nounbay leaf, nounBBQ, nounbean, nounbean curd, nounbeansprout, nounbeef, nounbeefburger, nounbeefsteak, nounbeet, nounbell pepper, nounberry, nounbetel, nounbetel nut, nounbicarbonate of soda, nounbilberry, nounbill of fare, nounbinge, nounbinge, verbbistro, nounblackberry, nounblack-eyed bean, nounblack pepper, nounblack pudding, nounblend, verbblend, nounblueberry, nounboard, nounbolt, verbbone, verbbon vivant, nounbony, adjectivebox lunch, nounbramble, nounbran, nounbrandy butter, nounbrasserie, nounbrawn, nounbreakfast, nounbrisket, nounbroiler, nounbroiler chicken, nounbroth, nounbrown rice, nounbrunch, nounbubble gum, nounbuckwheat, nounbuffet, nounbun, nounbus, verbbusboy, nounbutcher, nounbutcher, verbbutchery, nounbuttercream, nounbutty, nouncafé, nouncafeteria, nouncaff, nouncaffeine, nouncake, nouncan, verbcandy, nouncanned, adjectivecapon, nouncapsicum, nouncaraway, nouncarbohydrate, nouncare package, nouncarvery, nouncassava, nouncater, verbcaterer, nouncatering, nouncatsup, nouncatwalk, nouncayenne pepper, nouncereal, nouncheese, nounchef, nouncherry tomato, nounchickpea, nounchilli, nounChinese, nounchip shop, nounchives, nounchocolate, nounchocolatey, adjectiveChristmas dinner, nounchuck steak, nouncitric acid, nouncitron, nounclotted cream, nounclub sandwich, nouncob, nouncobbler, nouncocoa, nouncocoa bean, nouncoconut milk, nouncoffee house, nouncoffee shop, nouncold cuts, nouncold storage, nouncold store, nouncommissary, nounconcentrate, nouncondensed milk, nouncondiment, nouncone, nounconfection, nounconfectioner, nounconfectioner's sugar, nounconfectionery, nounconserve, nouncontent, nouncontinental breakfast, nounconvenience food, nouncook-chill, adjectivecooker, nouncookie, nouncooking, nouncooking oil, nouncorn bread, nouncorn chip, nouncorncob, nouncorned beef, nouncornet, nouncornflakes, nouncornflour, nouncornmeal, nouncorn on the cob, nouncorn pone, nouncornstarch, nouncorn syrup, nouncottage cheese, nouncotton candy, nouncourgette, nouncourse, nouncover charge, nouncrab, nouncrab apple, nouncracker, nouncrackling, nouncranberry, nouncrayfish, nouncream, nouncream cheese, nouncream cracker, nouncreamer, nouncreamy, adjectivecress, nouncrisp, nouncrisp, adjectivecrispbread, nouncrispy, adjectivecroissant, nouncroquette, nouncrouton, nouncrumb, nouncrumpet, nouncrunchy, adjectivecrust, nouncrusty, adjectivecrystallized, adjectivecucumber, nouncud, nouncuisine, nouncupcake, nouncurd, nouncurdle, verbcurrant, nouncustard, nouncut, nouncutlet, noundainty, nounDanish pastry, noundate, noundefrost, verbdelicacy, noundemerara sugar, noundesiccated, adjectivedevilled, adjectivedevour, verbdiabetic, adjectivedigest, verbdigestible, adjectivedill, noundill pickle, noundine, verbdiner, noundining car, noundinner, noundinner dance, noundinner party, noundinner theater, noundinnertime, noundissolve, verbdoggy bag, noundoily, noundollop, noundough, noundown, verbdrain, verbdredge, verbdried, adjectivedried fruit, noundripping, noundrumstick, noundry goods, noundunk, verbEaster egg, nouneat, verbeatery, nouneating apple, nouneats, nounEccles cake, nounéclair, nounEdam, nounedible, adjectiveeel, nounegg, nouneggplant, nounegg roll, nounelevenses, nounendive, nounEnglish breakfast, nounEnglish muffin, nounentrée, nounepicure, nounescalope, nounevaporated milk, nounfast food, nounfeed, verbfeed, nounfeta cheese, nounfig, nounfilbert, nounfillet, verbfilling, adjectivefilling, nounfilo, nounflounder, nounfloury, adjectiveflyblown, adjectivefoil, nounfoodstuff, nounforage, nounfork, verbfortify, verbfreeze-dried, adjectiveFrench bean, nounFrench bread, nounFrench dressing, nounFrench fry, nounFrench loaf, nounFrench stick, nounfries, nounfromage frais, nounfrozen, adjectivefruit, nounfudge, nounfull-fat, adjectivegaram masala, noungarlic, noungarnish, noungarnish, verbgastronomic, adjectivegastronomy, noungel, verbginger, nounglass, nounglassware, noungolden raisin, noungoody, noungourmand, noungrain, nounGranary, adjectivegranulated, adjectivegreasy, adjectivegreasy spoon, noungreen, adjectivegrill, noungristle, noungrocer, nounground, adjectiveground beef, noungrub, noungruel, nounguava, noungum, noungumball, noungumbo, noungumdrop, nounhalal, adjectivehalibut, nounham, nounhamburger, nounhaunch, nounhead table, nounhealth food, nounheart, nounhearty, adjectiveheat, nounherb, nounhigh tea, nounhome economics, nounhot dish, nounhygiene, nounhygienic, adjectiveiceman, nounindigestible, adjectiveindigestion, nouninedible, adjectiveinfected, adjectiveingest, verbinn, nouninsipid, adjectiveintake, nounirradiate, verbjellied, adjectivejoint, nounjuice, nounjuicy, adjectivejunk, nounjunk food, nounknuckle, nounkosher, adjectivelaxative, nounlean, adjectiveleavings, nounleg, nounlight, adjectiveliquorice, nounlive, adjectiveloaf, nounlocker, nounloin, nounlotus, nounlukewarm, adjectivelump, nounlunch, nounlunch, verblunchbox, nounlunch break, nounluncheon, nounlunch hour, nounlunchroom, nounlunchtime, nounluscious, adjectivemace, nounMadeira cake, nounmain course, nounmaitre d', nounmaize, nounmandarin, nounmandarin orange, nounmangetout, nounmango, nounmaple syrup, nounmargarine, nounmarge, nounmarmalade, nounmarrow, nounmarshmallow, nounMason jar, nounmasticate, verbmature, adjectivemature, verbmeal, nounmealie, nounmealtime, nounmealy, adjectivemeat, nounmeat-packing, nounmeaty, adjectivemellow, adjectivementhol, nounmentholated, adjectivemenu, nounmess, nounmess, verbmess hall, nounmilk chocolate, nounmillet, nounmince, nounmint, nounmocha, nounmolasses, nounmoreish, adjectivemorsel, nounmouldy, adjectivemouth, nounmouthful, nounMSG, nounmunch, verbmung bean, nounmush, nounmushroom, nounmustard, nounnibble, verbnibble, nounnosh, nounnourish, verbnourishment, nounnugget, nounnut, nounnutcracker, nounnutshell, nounnutty, adjectiveoatmeal, nounoats, nounoffal, nounokra, nounon, prepositiononion, nounorder, nounoregano, nounorganic, adjectiveoverindulge, verboxtail, nounpackaging, nounpacker, nounpap, nounparcel, nounpaste, nounpastille, nounpastry, nounpatisserie, nounpearl barley, nounpectin, nounpeel, verbpeel, nounpepper, nounpepper, verbpeppercorn, nounpeppermint, nounperishable, adjectivepetit four, nounpiccalilli, nounpicnic, nounpicnic, verbpie, nounpilaff, nounpilau, nounpimento, nounpinto bean, nounpit, nounpizza parlor, nounpizzeria, nounplain chocolate, nounplain flour, nounploughman's lunch, nounpoor boy, nounpork, nounpork pie, nounpork rinds, nounporridge, nounporterhouse steak, nounportion, nounpostprandial, adjectivepotato, nounpotato crisp, nounpotted, adjectivepoultry, nounpraline, nounprawn, nounprepacked, adjectivepreservative, nounpreserve, verbpreserve, nounpretzel, nounprovision, verbprune, nounpuff pastry, nounpumpernickel, nounpumpkin, nounpuree, verbquince, nounQuorn, nounrabbit, nounrancid, adjectiverare, adjectiveravenous, adjectiveraw, adjectivered meat, nounreheat, verbrennet, nounrepast, nounreplete, adjectiverestaurant, nounrestaurant car, nounrestaurateur, nounrib, nounrice, nounrigatoni, nounrind, nounripe, adjectiveroadhouse, nounrock, nounroe, nounroll, nounroot vegetable, nounrose hip, nounrusk, nounrutabaga, nounsaccharin, nounsalad cream, nounsalad dressing, nounsalami, nounsalmon, nounsalsa, nounsalt, verbsalt, adjectivesalty, adjectivesandwich, nounsardine, nounsassafras, nounsatisfying, adjectivesatsuma, nounsauerkraut, nounsausage, nounscallion, nounscampi, nounscone, nounscoop, nounScotch broth, nounscratchings, nounseafood, nounseasoned, adjectiveseed, verbsemolina, nounservery, nounservice charge, nounserving, nounset, adjectiveshallot, nounshellfish, nounsherbet, nounshish kebab, nounshortbread, nounshortcake, nounshortcrust pastry, nounshoulder, nounshrimp cocktail, nounside order, nounsillabub, nounsimnel cake, nounsingle cream, nounsirloin, nounsitting, nounskimmed milk, nounskin, nounskin, verbslaw, nounslice, nounsliced bread, nounsloe, nounsloppy joe, nounsmorgasbord, nounsnack bar, nounsnow pea, nounsoda fountain, nounsodium chloride, nounsoft fruit, nounsorghum, nounsoul food, nounsour, adjectivesour, verbsourdough, nounsoya, nounsoya bean, nounspearmint, nounspinach, nounsponge, nounsponge cake, nounsponge pudding, nounspoon, verbspoonful, nounspotted dick, nounspread, nounspring onion, nounspring roll, nounsprout, nounspud, nounsquash, nounsquid, nounstaple, nounstarfruit, nounstarter, nounsteak, nounsteakhouse, nounsteak tartare, nounstew, nounstick, nounStilton, nounstir-fry, verbstodge, nounstone-ground, adjectivestrawberry, nounstring bean, nounstringy, adjectivestrudel, nounsub, nounsucrose, nounsuet, nounsugar, nounsugar, verbsugar-coated, adjectivesugar cube, nounsugar lump, nounsugary, adjectivesultana, nounsun-dried, adjectivesup, verbsupper, nounsustenance, nounswallow, verbswallow, nounswede, nounsweetcorn, nounsweetened condensed milk, nounsweetener, nounsweetmeat, nounsweet pepper, nounsweet potato, nounsyrup, nounsyrupy, adjectivetable d'hôte, nountaco, nountaffy, nountainted, adjectivetakeaway, nountakeout, nountangerine, nountapas, nountapioca, nountaramasalata, nountariff, nountart, nountartare sauce, nountaste, verbtasteless, adjectivetaster, nountasting, nountater, nountattie, nounT-bone steak, nountea, nounteacake, nountender, adjectivetin, nountinned, adjectivetitbit, nountoffee apple, nountofu, nountomato, nountongue, nountop, nountopping, nountop round, nountopside, nountop table, nountortilla, nountough, adjectivetransport cafe, nountreacle, nountrifle, nountripe, nountrotter, nountruck stop, nountruffle, nountub, nountuna, nounturkey, nounTurkish delight, nounturnip, nounturnover, nountutti frutti, nounTV dinner, nounTVP, noununadulterated, adjectiveunleavened, adjectiveunpalatable, adjectivevacuum-packed, adjectivevanilla, nounveal, nounvegan, nounvegetable, nounvegetarian, nounvegetarianism, nounveggie, nounvenison, nounvictual, verbvictuals, nounvoracious, adjectivevoucher, nounwaiter, nounwaitress, nounwalnut, noun-ware, suffixwarmed-over, adjectivewedge, nounwell, nounwell-done, adjectivewell-fed, adjectivewet fish, nounwheat, nounwhite, nounwhite flour, nounwhite pepper, nounwhite sauce, nounwholefood, nounwholemeal, adjectivewhole wheat, adjectivewiener, nounwild rice, nounwishbone, nounwrap, nounyeast extract, nounyoghurt, nounyogurt, nounyolk, nounyule log, nounyummy, adjectivezucchini, nounzwieback, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY
Sally felt her anger drain away.COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES
1liquid a)[transitive] to make the water or liquid in something flow away: (=soil from which water flows away quickly or slowly) This plant needs rich, well-drained soil.
This plant needs rich, well-drained soil. Sally felt her anger drain away. (=drink all the coffee, tea etc in it)· He lifted his cup of coffee and drained it.
(=letting water pass through easily)· Plant the seedlings out in a warm, sunny position in well-drained soil.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB· It was appalling and ridiculous, and this inner battle was draining away what little strength she had left.· The waste water would be drained away through a 2, 000-foot tunnel, 150 feet below the river level.· When the spirit flags, the body follows, and Jack Stone was literally draining away with despair and fear.· Suddenly, palpably, his anger drained away.· I watched the light drain away and felt the cold clawing at the earth between the tables.· From the one narrow window the daylight was draining away.· The only comfortable position was standing up because then the fluid drained away and stopped pressing against his lungs.· We drain away force as we indulge in inner talk.
· Turn off the water, drain down and bale out the cistern to give it a good clean.· He could feel the blood draining down to his shoes.· If this does not work, you will have to drain down the pipe and remove the fitting.· For extended periods of a week or more, you must drain down the household plumbing system.
· In other words, aggressive fantasy may suggest or stimulate aggressive behaviour, rather than drain off the motive to behave aggressively.· Saute in a separate pan the salt pork and onions. Drain off fat and add onions to simmering beef.· And when that didn't drain off enough cash, yet another assistance plan required the state to eliminate 120,000 jobs.· The blood had been carefully drained off when the birds were slaughtered.· Always remember to drain off excess fuel first.· Water drained off fields throughout the day, swelling rivers.· Dry-fry the bacon in a non-stick pan until almost tender but without colour. Drain off any fat.· Remove the mince, drain off any excess fat through a colander or sieve and wipe the pan or wok.
· Where the water dripped on to my dirt floor, I scraped a trench with my pocket knife to let it drain out.· And gradually the goo started to drain out of my poetry.· Everything had been drained out of me by then, and my eyes were already shut.· The sun had set and the light was draining out of the flat fields.· Conviction will be drained out of us.· The rinse water drained out of the machine with a sucking groan.
NOUN· Her arms crept around his waist and every last scrap of fight and anger drained fluidly from her body.· Suddenly, palpably, his anger drained away.
· I could feel the blood draining from my face.· Their throats had been punctured and their blood drained.· He could feel the blood draining down to his shoes.· The blood had been carefully drained off when the birds were slaughtered.· Then she felt the blood drain from her face as she realised he was right.· Without the bags, blood drained on the deck and filled the Huey with a sweet smell, a horribly recognizable smell.· It was as if the blood had been drained from her, leaving no strength, but it wasn't a peaceful emptiness.· I felt the blood draining from my face like somebody had opened a valve in my ankle.
· She smiled, as she drained her coffee and threw the rest of the crumbs to the sparrows.· He drained his coffee mug and leaned forward expectantly.· Unconsciously she drained her coffee, thanked Simon again and stood up.
· Such colour as there was drained from her face, and what was left of the biscuit fell from her hand.· The colour had drained away from Miss Grimsilk's face.· At once all the light and colour seemed to be drained from my surroundings.· In those few minutes the colour had drained out of them and they had wilted in the glass like faded tissue paper.· Hoomey thought he could easily start frothing at the mouth, the way his colour had drained.· Katherine sat silently for a long moment, her eyes growing perceptibly wider, the colour draining from her cheeks.
· And to leave before both cups had been drained would only offend her.· His cup drained, he looked across at the girl again.
· Since the weekend usually drains us of both energy and options, Monday is traditionally not a stellar day for entertainment.
· David's face was drained white.· A face drained of joy and a voice drained of cheer.· My pain increased, as what color was left in my white face drained away.
· In both hands he held steady a glass tumbler drained to the ice.· So compulsively did he watch me empty my glass that he drained his own in compulsive sympathy.
· I saw friends steadily drained of life.
· She had half drained her mug when she said, ` Ah, that's better!· On the draining board sat the mug she had been drinking from earlier, and Lucas's and Dale's vodka tumblers.· She swallowed the tablets and drained the mug, feeling a great deal better.· He drained his coffee mug and leaned forward expectantly.
· Linthal takes its name from the river Linth which drains the beautiful transverse valley that largely makes up the canton of Glarus.
· You don't need to drain the whole system - just enough so that water doesn't come out of the immersion heater boss.
· Blanche eased herself up and Dexter watched the tension start to drain from Lancaster's body.· But tension starting to drain out of whole thing.
· More tarmac and concrete has left fewer green fields for water to drain into underground reserves, as Sheila Brocklebank reports.· Start with fresh, ripe fruit, then rinse carefully in cold water and drain well or pat dry with paper towel.· She knows to turn the water off, drain the tank and so on and turn electricity off and count units used etc.· In that excavation, however, the water was not drained from the cofferdam.· It excludes water that will not drain from small pore spaces, saline water, and water in deep confined aquifers.· The waste water would be drained away through a 2, 000-foot tunnel, 150 feet below the river level.· Turn off the water, drain down and bale out the cistern to give it a good clean.· Homeowners are also being urged to remove any ice blocking roof drains and to make sure water is draining properly.
VERB· Take the baskets that hold them out of the pool and allow them to drain for an hour.· Remove to a plate lined with paper towels, and allow to drain.· Water the containers and allow to drain, then sow the seed thinly over the surface.· Slice eggplants from blossom end to to inch from stem end. Allow to drain.· This gives a moisture retentive medium, but allows excess water to drain from the roots.· This gives a moisture-retentive growing medium, but allows excessive wetness to drain from the roots of the plants.
The swimming pool is drained and cleaned every winter.drain something from something Brad drained all the oil from the engine. Can you drain the spaghetti, please (=pour away the water from the pan)? b)[intransitive always + adverb/preposition] if liquid drains away, it flows awaydrain away/off/from I watched the bath water drain away. c)[intransitive] if something drains, the liquid that is in it or on it flows away and it becomes dry: Open ditches drain very efficiently. She washed up and left the dishes to drain.well-drained/poorly-drained soil (=soil from which water flows away quickly or slowly) This plant needs rich, well-drained soil.2make somebody tired [transitive] to make someone feel very tired and without any energy: Working with children all day really drains you.3use too much [transitive] to use too much of something, especially money, so that there is not enough left: Huge imports were draining the country’s currency reserves.4 the colour/blood drains from somebody’s face/cheeks used to say that someone’s face becomes very pale, because they are frightened or shocked: When the verdict was read out, all the colour drained from Zelda’s cheeks.5drain a glass/cup etc written to drink all the liquid in a glass, cup etc: Hannah drained her mug in one gulp.drain away phrasal verb if something drains away, it is reduced until there is none left: I watched the light drain away.anger/confidence/tension/hope etc drains away Sally felt her anger drain away.drain something ↔ off phrasal verb to make water or a liquid flow off something, leaving it dry: After cooking the meat, drain off the excess fat.drain1 verbdrain2 noun
draindrain2 ●●○ noun [countable] EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- The drain in the bathtub is clogged.
- Blood from Forster's broken body was floating away in clouds, finally swirling in a whirlpool above the drain.
- For refrigerators with removable drain plugs, remove plug and force warm water mixed with baking soda through the drain.
- The parish is a drain on resources, no doubt about it.
- Time and again he had to turn his nose up into the arch of the drain to keep from drowning.
- To have left the tube and drain in place for 14-21 days would have been ideal but less acceptable to the patient.
- We crawled out of the drain, saw the coast clear, and ran down the road together.
WORD SETS
adobe, nounasphalt, nounbatten, nounbeam, nounblueprint, nounboard, nounboom, nounbreeze-block, nounbrick, nounbricklayer, nounbrickwork, nounbucket, nounbuilder, nounbuilding contractor, nounbuilding site, nounbulldoze, verbbulldozer, nounbuttress, nouncaisson, nouncantilever, nouncastellated, adjectivecavity wall, nouncement, nouncement, verbconcrete, adjectiveconcrete, nounconcrete, verbconduit, nounconstruct, verbcrane, nouncrosspiece, noundaub, noundigger, noundowel, noundrain, noundrainage, noundraughtsman, noundry-stone wall, noundry wall, nounduckboards, noundustsheet, nounembankment, nounerect, verberection, nounfence, verbfencing, nounfiberboard, nounfibreboard, nounfloor plan, nounfoundation, noungantry, noungatepost, noungirder, noungreenfield site, nounhalf-timbered, adjectivehard hat, nounhod, nounhousing association, nounhousing project, nounjackhammer, nounjib, nounjoist, nounkeystone, nounlath, nounleading, nounmansard, nounmortar, nounpanelling, nounpanel pin, nounpave, verbpavement, nounpebbledash, nounpier, nounpile driver, nounplank, nounplanking, nounplaster, nounplaster, verbplasterboard, nounplasterer, nounplate glass, nounpoint, verbPortakabin, nounprime, verbprimer, nounproperty developer, nounputty, nounquantity surveyor, nounrebuild, verbreconstruct, verbreconstruction, nounrefurbish, verbreinforced concrete, nounrendering, nounrenovate, verbrevetment, nounroof, nounroof, verbroofing, nounrooftop, nounrubble, nounsand, verbsandstone, nounsaw, verbscaffold, nounscaffolding, nounshovel, nounsite, nounskip, nounslab, nounslate, nounspan, verbstarter home, nounsteam shovel, nounstilt, nounstucco, nounsurface, verbsuspension bridge, nounthatch, nounthatched, adjectivetile, nountile, verbtiling, nountimber, nountopcoat, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY The flood was caused by a blocked drain. There’s a problem with the drains. The war was an enormous drain on the country’s resources.COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES
The flood was caused by a blocked drain. There’s a problem with the drains. The war was an enormous drain on the country’s resources. (=drink all the coffee, tea etc in it)· He lifted his cup of coffee and drained it.
(=letting water pass through easily)· Plant the seedlings out in a warm, sunny position in well-drained soil.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSNOUN· Old drain pipes can be hidden by planting climbers, such as an ivy.· Would it eat the drain pipe?· It is usually protected from damage by being run inside a drain pipe, and rises slightly to avoid air bubbles.
· Blocked storm drains flood the streets.· Four or live times later, the ball hit me on the shoulder and rolled down a storm drain.· He also said that the storm drains were full of dead bodies.
VERB· Nilsen was finally arrested when pieces of the corpses he was flushing down the toilet blocked the drain.· Homeowners are also being urged to remove any ice blocking roof drains and to make sure water is draining properly.
· One small panel can prevent batteries in unattended yachts from going flat due to natural drain.· I felt that everything I'd worked for had gone down the drain.· It foreclosed on the mortgages, and the mill went down the drain.· There are fears of family life going down the drain, as staff may get only two complete weekends off in seven.· And she would die in the bathtub, her blood going down the drain.· Male speaker I fear that safety standards will go down the drain as people seek to make most profit.· Yer know that our ole boxin' Club's gone down the drain since those new geezers took over.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY
1especially British English a pipe that carries water or waste liquids away: - Owning this boat is a big drain on my finances.
- A second cost to the Free Church of its political involvement is a drain on leadership resources.
- But what a drain on parents.
- In addition they were perceived to be inefficient, measured in terms of productivity, and also unprofitable, causing a drain on public finances.
- It is a drain on their resources.
- The authorities feared he'd be a drain on the health service.
- The parish is a drain on resources, no doubt about it.
- There would be less of a drain on tax revenues.
- They are seen as a drain on the profit because they don't function in the labour market to produce profit.
- Well, there's another fifty dollars down the drain.
- And she would die in the bathtub, her blood going down the drain.
- Dietitians responded by telling cooks to dump yolks down the drain and use the cholesterol-free whites.
- It foreclosed on the mortgages, and the mill went down the drain.
- It may help to twist drain rods when pushing them down the drain.
- Male speaker I fear that safety standards will go down the drain as people seek to make most profit.
- Pour it down the drains if necessary.
- There are fears of family life going down the drain, as staff may get only two complete weekends off in seven.
- You might as well take money and shovel it down the drain.
The flood was caused by a blocked drain. There’s a problem with the drains.2 British English the frame of metal bars over a drain where water etc can flow into it SYN grate American English3American English the hole in the bottom of a bath or sink that water flows out through SYN plughole British English4a drain on something something that continuously uses a lot of time, money etc: The war was an enormous drain on the country’s resources.5down the drain informal a)if time, effort, or money goes down the drain, it is wasted or produces no results: Well that’s it. 18 months’ work down the drain. b)if an organization, country etc goes down the drain, it becomes worse or fails: That’s why this country’s going down the drain! → brain drain, → laugh like a drain at laugh1(1)