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wade
wading bird
A type of bird with long legs and a long neck that is typically found in shallow water. Examples include the crane and the stork. Look at all that wading bird near the shore. I think it might be a heron.
wade across something
to walk across something covered by water. Let's wade across the stream at this point. If I wade across it, I will get wet.
wade in
(to something) 1. to walk into an area covered by water. The horse waded right into the stream. It waded right in.
2. Fig. to get quickly and directly involved in something. (Fig. on {2}.) Don't just wade into things. Stop and think about what you are doing. Just wade in and get started.
wade through something
1. to walk with effort through a substance, such as water, mud, garbage, etc. The soldiers waded through the mud on the way to battle. They waded through the mess to get to where they were going.
2. Fig. to struggle through something with difficulty. (Fig. on {2}.) You mean I have to wade through all these applications? I have to wade through forty term papers in the next two days.
wade into something
also wade in to become involved in something in a forceful and determined way She wades into a complicated project with great enthusiasm. If there's a problem, my mother is the one to wade in and try to solve it.
wade through something
1. to read detailed or complicated information We don't have enough staff to wade through the data. If you can wade through the ads, there's useful information here about the history of the Internet.
2. to move through a large group We waded through a crowd of thousands. The players have to wade through a sea of fans after games.
Etymology: based on the literal meaning of wade (to walk in water that is not deep)
wade in
Also, wade into. Plunge into, begin or attack resolutely and energetically, as in She waded into that pile of correspondence. This idiom transfers entering water to beginning some action. [Mid-1800s]
wade in
v.1. To walk into a substance, such as water, that hinders normal movement: Unable to reach the buoy from the shore, I waded in toward it.
2. To join or intervene in an ongoing conflict, debate, or controversy: The government waded in to settle the contract dispute.
wade into
v.1. To walk into something, such as water, that impedes normal movement: The child waded into the ocean.
2. To join or intervene in some ongoing conflict, debate, or controversy: The government waded into the dispute and forced a resolution. The mayor waded into the debate to elaborate on a few points.
3. To become increasingly involved in some effort: The committee waded into the task.
4. To attack someone or something verbally or physically: The supervisor waded into me with a vehement attack.
wade through
v.1. To walk through something, such as water, that hinders normal movement: We waded through the water.
2. To proceed through something with great difficulty or effort: I waded through a boring report.