hurricane cutting
n.— «There is a practice sometimes called “hurricane cutting.” This involves removing not only all the dead fronds but all the green ones as well—including that batch of new fronds that sticks up in the air. Removing the fronds would inhibit the spread of roots and hence the growth of the tree. The problem with this is that it’s not a very good idea: It will kill the tree.» —“Poking holes in palm’s base could slow growth—or kill the tree” Arizona Republic (Phoenix) May 30, 2008. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
Further reading
The words tough, through, and dough all end in O-U-G-H. So why don’t they rhyme? A lively new book addresses the many quirks of English by explaining the history of words and phrases. And: have you ever been in a situation where a group makes...
In the 15th century, the word respair meant “to have hope again.” Although this word fell out of use, it’s among dozens collected in a new book of soothing vocabulary for troubled times. Plus, baseball slang: If a batter...