spurs Definition
- 1a metal device with a small spike or a spiked wheel that is worn on the heel of a rider's boot and used for urging a horse forward
- 2a thing that prompts or encourages someone; an incentive
- 3a projecting root or protuberance on a plant or animal
Using spurs: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "spurs" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
He wore spurs on his boots to ride the horse.
Example
The promise of a bonus acted as a spur to work harder.
Example
The spurs on the cactus can be dangerous if not handled carefully.
Example
The bird had spurs on its legs.
spurs Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for spurs
Antonyms for spurs
Phrases with spurs
earn one's spurs
to prove oneself, especially in a particular field or activity
Example
She earned her spurs as a journalist by reporting from war zones.
Example
They decided to go on a road trip on the spur of the moment.
the time when a person or thing is put to the test, especially the final or critical test
Example
The moment of truth came when he had to give a speech in front of a large audience.
Origins of spurs
from Old English 'spura'
Summary: spurs in Brief
'Spurs' [spɜːrz] refer to metal devices worn on the heels of a rider's boots to urge a horse forward. It also means a thing that prompts or encourages someone, and a projecting root or protuberance on a plant or animal. The phrase 'earn one's spurs' means to prove oneself, while 'on the spur of the moment' refers to impulsive actions. 'Spurs' can also be used metaphorically, as in 'The promise of a bonus acted as a spur to work harder.'
