daisy-cutter
Definition
Noun: 1. A horse that moves with a low, gliding gait: In slang, "daisy-cutter" refers to a horse that runs with its legs barely lifted off the ground, as if cutting the tops off daisies. 2. A low-flying ball in cricket: In sports, particularly cricket, a "daisy-cutter" is a ball that skims or rolls along the ground after being bowled, making it difficult for the batsman to hit effectively.
Usage Examples
- Horse:
- The old mare was a true daisy-cutter, moving with a smooth, low stride across the field. (A horse that runs with a barely lifted gait.)
- Cricket:
- The bowler delivered a daisy-cutter that skidded along the pitch, surprising the batsman. (A low, ground-level ball in cricket.)
Advanced Usage
- The term "daisy-cutter" can also be used metaphorically in informal contexts to describe anything that moves low to the ground or stays close to the surface.
- The car’s modified suspension made it a daisy-cutter, hugging the road at high speeds. (A vehicle with a very low profile.)
Variants and Related Words
- Daisy (n): a common wildflower with white petals and a yellow center.
- The field was full of daisies in the spring. (The flower that gives the term its imagery.)
Synonyms
- Low ball (in cricket): a ball that travels close to the ground.
- Ground-scraper (informal): something that moves extremely low, like a vehicle or animal.
Related Idioms
- Cut the daisies: an informal phrase meaning to move in a low, sweeping manner, often used for horses or vehicles.
- The horse seemed to cut the daisies as it galloped. (The horse’s gait was very low.)