sow

noun

UK/saʊ/
US/saʊ/

Definitions of sow noun

  1. Countable

    a fully grown female pig

verb

UK/səʊ/
US/soʊ/

Definitions of sow verb

plant

  1. C1TransitiveIntransitive

    to scatter or plant seeds on the ground for growth

    • Please sow these seeds in the flower pots.

    • The farmer plans to sow wheat in the autumn.

    • We will sow the oat seeds in this field.

cause

  1. Transitive

    to initiate or provoke a negative emotion or situation that develops or persists

    • She sowed discord among her colleagues by spreading rumors.

    • This decision may sow discontent within the community.

    • His remarks sowed seeds of doubt in the audience’s minds.

Idioms

  • sow the seeds of something

    To initiate actions or conditions that will likely cause a particular outcome or situation to develop in the future.

    They spread rumors, sowing the seeds of future conflict.

  • sow your wild oats

    To engage in a period of reckless and pleasurable activities, especially during youth.

    During his college years, he decided to sow his wild oats and travel around.

  • As ye sow, so shall ye reap

    This idiom expresses the idea that one's actions directly determine the treatment or consequences one will receive; it means that your deeds will ultimately dictate your outcomes.

    He always bullies others, and now he is being ostracized by his colleagues; it's truly a case of reaping what he sowed, as the saying goes, 'As ye sow, so shall ye reap.'

  • as ye sow, so shall ye reap

    This idiom illustrates that one's actions will directly influence the treatment or consequences they receive.

    He is always willing to help others, a clear case of 'as ye sow, so shall ye reap'.