Yoke

usgb/jəʊk/
noun

A bar or frame that is attached to the heads or necks of two work animals, like oxen, so that they can pull a plow or heavy load together.

The farmer hooked the oxen together with a yoke.
Visual representation of "yoke" - A bar or frame that is attached to the heads or necks of two work animals, like oxen, so that they can pull a plow or heavy load together.

Often appears as...

  • under the yoke
  • bear the yoke
Definition 1 of 5
Visual representation of "yoke"
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Working Together

Used when two or more people or things operate in coordination, like the animals it was originally used for.

Illustration for Working Together
They were yoked by a common purpose to finish the project.
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Historical Use

Knowing 'yoke' dates back to ancient farming can help understand its metaphorical use for cooperation or restriction.

Illustration for Historical Use
The new laws acted as a yoke, binding the villagers' trade freedoms.
Visual representation of the word "Yoke"

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