hydra

[ˈhaɪdrə]

hydra Definition

  • 1a many-headed serpent or monster in Greek mythology
  • 2a freshwater polyp with a cylindrical body and tentacles around the mouth

Using hydra: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "hydra" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    Hercules fought the hydra in one of his twelve labors.

  • Example

    The hydra is a type of cnidarian that can reproduce by budding.

hydra Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for hydra

Antonyms for hydra

Phrases with hydra

  • cut off one head of the hydra, two more will grow back

    a problem that seems to have been solved but then creates even more problems

    Example

    The company thought they had solved their financial issues, but cutting costs only made things worse. It was like cutting off one head of the hydra, two more grew back.

  • hydra-headed

    having many different aspects or branches

    Example

    The issue of climate change is hydra-headed, involving science, politics, economics, and social justice.

  • the phenomenon where solving one problem leads to the creation of new problems

    Example

    The hydra effect is a common occurrence in environmental policy, where solutions to one issue often create new challenges.

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Summary: hydra in Brief

The term 'hydra' [ˈhaɪdrə] refers to a many-headed serpent or monster in Greek mythology, as well as a freshwater polyp with tentacles around the mouth. The phrase 'cut off one head of the hydra, two more will grow back' describes a problem that seems to have been solved but then creates even more problems. 'Hydra-headed' means having many different aspects or branches, while the 'hydra effect' is the phenomenon where solving one problem leads to the creation of new problems.

How do native speakers use this expression?