tack

1
[ tak ]
/ tæk /

noun

verb (used with object)

verb (used without object)

Idioms for tack

    on the wrong tack, under a misapprehension; in error; astray: His line of questioning began on the wrong tack.

Origin of tack

1
1300–50; (noun) Middle English tak buckle, clasp, nail (later, tack); cognate with German Zacke prong, Dutch tak twig; (v.) Middle English tacken to attach, derivative of the noun; see tache, attach

SYNONYMS FOR tack

12 affix, fasten, add.

OTHER WORDS FROM tack

tack·er, noun tack·less, adjective

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH tack

tack tact track tract tacks tax

British Dictionary definitions for on the wrong tack (1 of 4)

tack 1
/ (tæk) /

noun

verb

Derived forms of tack

tackless, adjective

Word Origin for tack

C14 tak fastening, nail; related to Middle Low German tacke pointed instrument

British Dictionary definitions for on the wrong tack (2 of 4)

tack 2
/ (tæk) /

noun

informal food, esp when regarded as inferior or distasteful See also hardtack

Word Origin for tack

C19: of unknown origin

British Dictionary definitions for on the wrong tack (3 of 4)

tack 3
/ (tæk) /

noun

  1. riding harness for horses, such as saddles, bridles, etc
  2. (as modifier)the tack room

Word Origin for tack

C20: shortened from tackle

British Dictionary definitions for on the wrong tack (4 of 4)

tack 4
/ (tæk) /

noun Scot

a lease
an area of land held on a lease

Word Origin for tack

C15: from tak a Scots word for take

Idioms and Phrases with on the wrong tack (1 of 2)

on the wrong tack

Also, on the wrong track. See under on the right tack.

Idioms and Phrases with on the wrong tack (2 of 2)

tack

see get down to brass tacks; on the right tack; sharp as a tack.