rag
1
[ rag ]
/ ræg /
noun
Idioms for rag
chew the rag.
chew(def 11).
from rags to riches,
from extreme poverty to great wealth: He went from rags to riches in only three years.
Origin of rag
1
1275–1325; Middle English
ragge < Scandinavian; compare Norwegian, Swedish
ragg coarse hair < Old Norse
rǫgg
Words nearby rag
British Dictionary definitions for from rags to riches (1 of 4)
rag
1
/ (ræɡ) /
noun
See also
rags
Word Origin for rag
C14: probably back formation from
ragged, from Old English
raggig; related to Old Norse
rögg tuft
British Dictionary definitions for from rags to riches (2 of 4)
rag
2
/ (ræɡ) /
verb rags, ragging or ragged (tr)
to draw attention facetiously and persistently to the shortcomings or alleged shortcomings of (a person)
British
to play rough practical jokes on
noun
British
a boisterous practical joke, esp one on a fellow student
(in British universities)
- a period, usually a week, in which various events are organized to raise money for charity, including a procession of decorated floats and tableaux
- (as modifier)rag day
Word Origin for rag
C18: of uncertain origin
British Dictionary definitions for from rags to riches (3 of 4)
rag
3
/ (ræɡ) jazz /
noun
a piece of ragtime music
verb rags, ragging or ragged
(tr)
to compose or perform in ragtime
Word Origin for rag
C20: shortened from
ragtime
British Dictionary definitions for from rags to riches (4 of 4)
rag
4
/ (ræɡ) /
noun
a roofing slate that is rough on one side
Word Origin for rag
C13: of obscure origin
Idioms and Phrases with from rags to riches (1 of 2)
from rags to riches
From being poor to being wealthy, especially through one's own efforts. For example, The invention catapulted the scientist from rags to riches. Horatio Alger (1834–1899) popularized this theme in some 130 best-selling novels, in which the hero, through hard work and thrift, pulled himself out of poverty to wealth and happiness.
Idioms and Phrases with from rags to riches (2 of 2)
rag