chaff

[chaf]

chaff Definition

• 1. the husks of corn or other seed separated by winnowing or threshing
• 2. worthless things; rubbish
• 3. light-hearted joking; banter

Using chaff: Examples

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

• Example

  The farmer separated the wheat from the chaff.

• Example

  The book was full of chaff and lacked substance.

• Example

  The group engaged in friendly chaff during their game night.

chaff Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for chaff

• shells
• refuse
• garbage
• banter
• teasing
• husks
• joking

Antonyms for chaff

• valuable
• treasure
• seriousness

Idioms Using chaff

• blow away the chaff

  to remove the worthless or unimportant parts of something

  Example

  We need to blow away the chaff and focus on the most important aspects of this project.

• separate the men from the boys (or women from the girls)

  to distinguish those who are truly skilled or capable from those who are not

  Example

  This competition will separate the men from the boys and show who is truly the best.

• throw caution to the wind(s)

  to take a risk without worrying about the consequences

  Example

  He threw caution to the wind and quit his job to pursue his dream.

Phrases with chaff

• separate the wheat from the chaff

  to distinguish valuable people or things from worthless ones

  Example

  It's important to separate the wheat from the chaff when hiring new employees.

• chaff cutter

  a machine used to cut straw or hay into small pieces

  Example

  The farmer used a chaff cutter to prepare food for his livestock.

• chaff bag

  a bag used to collect chaff during threshing

  Example

  The workers filled several chaff bags with the leftover husks.

Origins of chaff

from Old English 'ceaf', meaning 'husks of corn'

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Summary: chaff in Brief

The term 'chaff' [chaf] refers to the husks of corn or other seeds separated by threshing, as well as to worthless things or light-hearted joking. It can be used in phrases like 'separate the wheat from the chaff,' meaning to distinguish valuable from worthless things, or 'blow away the chaff,' meaning to remove unimportant parts. 'Chaff' can also be used in idioms like 'throw caution to the wind(s),' meaning to take a risk without worrying about the consequences.