student asking question

What does "fluke" refer to here?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

In this case, the "flukes" are the lobes of the tail of a cetacean, such as a dolphin or whale. Flukes are boneless and are used to swim. Ex. People often mistake a dolphin's flukes for back flippers. In fact, its flippers are used to steer, while its flukes are used to swim.

Popular Q&As

03/28

Complete the expression with a quiz!