harvest

/ˈhɑːrvɪst/

the process of gathering crops

Farmers work hard during the harvest season to collect their crops.

This shows the effort involved in gathering crops during the harvest season.

◆ What It Really Means

to take advantage of easy or obvious opportunities

¶ Literal Meaning

to gather crops or other natural products

Literal Breakdown

harvestthe act of gathering crops

◇ Mental Image

The mental picture of gathering ripe crops, which is metaphorically extended to gathering opportunities.

◈ When to Use

In a business meeting, someone might say, 'Let's harvest the low-hanging fruit first,' meaning they should focus on the easiest opportunities.

◉ Cultural Note

The phrase 'harvest the low-hanging fruit' is a common business idiom, emphasizing the importance of starting with the easiest tasks or opportunities.

general

the process of gathering crops or other natural products from the earth

The harvest of wheat is crucial for the local economy.

This emphasizes the importance of wheat collection to the local economy.

Can also refer to gathering other natural products like fish or timber.

general

to gather or collect crops or other natural products

They will harvest the apples next week.

This indicates the planned collection of apples.

Can be used metaphorically to mean collecting or obtaining something valuable.

Collocations

harvest seasonthe time of year when crops are gatheredharvest festivala celebration of the gathering of cropsharvest moonthe full moon closest to the autumnal equinox