deserts Definition
- 1a barren area of land where little precipitation occurs
- 2a reward or punishment that is deserved
Using deserts: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "deserts" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The Sahara Desert is the largest hot desert in the world.
Example
The cactus is a plant that can survive in deserts.
Example
He received his just deserts for his crimes.
Example
She got her just deserts when she lost the election.
deserts Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for deserts
- wasteland
- reward
- punishment
- retribution
- arid region
Antonyms for deserts
- oasis
- mercy
- forgiveness
- lush area
Idioms Using deserts
to abandon someone in a difficult situation without any help or support
Example
After promising to help me with the project, he left me high and dry at the last minute. I had to finish it all by myself.
to be put in a difficult or dangerous situation without any protection or support
Example
The new employee was thrown to the wolves on his first day, with no training or guidance from his supervisor.
Example
The judge seemed to have a heart of stone, showing no mercy towards the defendant despite his difficult circumstances.
Phrases with deserts
Example
The shipwrecked sailors were stranded on a desert island.
Example
The desert storm caused widespread damage to buildings and crops.
Example
He's a real desert rat, always exploring the wilderness and taking pictures of the landscape.
Summary: deserts in Brief
The term 'deserts' [dɪˈzərts] has two distinct meanings: a barren area of land with little precipitation, and a reward or punishment that is deserved. The former sense is exemplified by phrases like 'desert island' and 'desert storm,' while the latter is seen in expressions like 'just deserts' and 'get what one deserves.' Idioms like 'to leave someone high and dry' and 'to be thrown to the wolves' convey difficult situations, while 'to have a heart of stone' describes an unfeeling attitude.
