ENGLISH
REFERENCE

plow with one's heifer

idiom
Meaning

To have an affair with another man's wife or to deal with the wife in order to obtain something from her husband.


Origin

disputed origin

Biblical.

Examples
SIMPLE

He tried to plow with his neighbor's heifer to get a better deal.

CONTEXTUAL

The salesman realized he could not convince the stubborn business owner, so he decided to plow with his heifer instead.

COMPLEX

By choosing to plow with his heifer rather than negotiating directly with the king, the diplomat hoped to influence the royal decision through the queen.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    abound in one's own sense

    To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.

  2. 02

    ace up one's sleeve

    A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.

  3. 03

    act one's age

    To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.

  4. 04

    act one's age, not one's shoe size

    Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).

  5. 05

    afraid of one's own shadow

    Exceptionally timid.

  6. 06

    air one's dirty laundry in public

    To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.

  7. 07

    air one's dirty linen in public

    Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.

  8. 08

    albatross around one's neck

    A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.

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