a small, sharp nail with a flat head, a course of action or method, especially one that is temporary or expedient, a piece of equipment used in horse riding, such as a saddle or bridle

hard tack, take the tack, on the right/wrong tack

Formal and Informal Expressions of tack

In different contexts, you can replace 'tack' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'method, approach, strategy' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'way, plan' is a commonplace synonym.

tack: Explore its Definition & Usage

tack Definition

1a small, sharp nail with a flat head
2a course of action or method, especially one that is temporary or expedient
3a piece of equipment used in horse riding, such as a saddle or bridle

Using tack: Examples

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

Example
I need to buy some tacks to hang up these pictures.
Example
We need to change our tack if we want to win this game.
Example
She adjusted the horse's tack before the ride.

tack Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for tack

Phrases with tack

hard tack
a type of hard, dry biscuit or bread, often used as a staple food for sailors and soldiers
Example
The sailors were given hard tack to eat during their long voyage.
take the tack
to change direction, especially when sailing against the wind
Example
The captain ordered the crew to take the tack to avoid the storm.
on the right/wrong tack
doing something in a way that is likely to be successful/unsuccessful
Example
I think we're on the right tack with this new marketing strategy.

Origins of tack

from Middle Low German 'tacke', meaning 'nail'

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Summary: tack in Brief

The term 'tack' [tæk] has three main meanings. Firstly, it refers to a small, sharp nail with a flat head. Secondly, it denotes a course of action or method, especially one that is temporary or expedient. Lastly, it is a piece of equipment used in horse riding, such as a saddle or bridle. Phrases like 'hard tack' and 'take the tack' extend the meaning to include a type of hard, dry biscuit or bread, and changing direction, respectively.