Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

hew ers-of-wood-and-drawers-of-water

Noun

/ˈhjuːərz ʌv wʊd ənd ˈdrɔːərz əv ˈwɔːtər/

Definition

A term referring to those who engage in manual labor, specifically in cutting wood or fetching water, often used metaphorically to describe people performing essential but menial tasks.

Examples

In many communities, hewers of wood and drawers of water are the backbone of daily life, performing tasks that might go unnoticed.
The old proverb highlighted the importance of hewers of wood and drawers of water in maintaining the village’s welfare.

Meaning

This phrase characterizes individuals whose labor involves basic yet vital work, emphasizing the important role they play in society despite the simplicity of their tasks.