mule

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mule" is correct and usable in written English, depending on the context.
It can be used to refer to a type of animal, a person who carries something, or in slang to describe someone who smuggles drugs. Example: "The detective suspected that the suspect was acting as a mule for the drug cartel."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's quite the situation for Calgary, a team everyone expected to go absolutely nowhere this year and that's holding its early successful record like a mule with a spinning wheel: no-one is exactly sure how the Flames got it, and danged if the team (or anyone else) knows quite how to use it.

The Guardian - Sport

Cities are now linked not by mule paths, but by fast aircraft used by millions of people.

The Guardian

His reasoning's unsound and Miliband's found Brand rants like a mule or an ass debates.

The Guardian - Opinion

In the street people stared at his fair hair, and Tibetan friends refused to use his shampoo in case they, too, came to look like that.Robert Ford was hired by the Tibetans in 1948 to create a modern communications network: more modern, that is, than treks by mule over the highest mountains in the world.

The Economist

This is asking quite a lot from your typical corporate mule.

The Economist

The UGVs being talked about at the Farnborough Air Show near London this week are autonomous machines which do their own thing.BAE Systems, a British defence contractor, reckons that with soldiers now carrying around 75kg (165 pounds) of kit, they could do with the equivalent of a mechanical mule following behind them.

The Economist

Republicans promised freed slaves "40 acres and a mule" after the civil war, but they failed to deliver, so blacks decided to "ride this donkey"—the Democratic symbol as far as it would take us".

The Economist

Even if China relents, it will probably make sure that any new sanctions approved by the UN are far from crippling.At the same time as he prods the stubborn mule that is China, however, Mr Obama is also struggling to curb the angry stallion that is Congress.

The Economist

Some banks have hired professional spies, as HSBC did when it employed a former head of MI5.The amount a fraudster can steal depends on the number of "mule" accounts—set up by paid or cajoled accomplices that he has to divert funds into.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

One of the largest mule-deer herds in North America spends the summer on the plateau as does Colorado's largest migrating elk herd.

The Economist

His all-purpose paste, "Thai MSG" as he called it, ground from coriander seed, white pepper, garlic and fish sauce, gave a mule-kick to any soup.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "mule" in creative writing, consider its symbolic connotations of stubbornness, resilience, and hybridity to add depth to your character or narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "mule" casually when you mean "smuggler" or "carrier" in formal writing. The context should clearly indicate which meaning you intend to convey to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The word "mule" functions primarily as a noun. Ludwig confirms its use to denote an animal, a person carrying drugs, or, metaphorically, a stubborn individual. The examples cover both literal and figurative usages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "mule" is a versatile noun with several distinct meanings, encompassing a hybrid animal, a person smuggling drugs, and a metaphor for stubbornness. Ludwig confirms the word's correct usage across various contexts. Its frequency in news and media highlights its relevance in current affairs, while its presence in scientific literature underscores its biological definition. While grammatically sound, careful consideration of context is crucial to avoid ambiguity, especially when referring to illegal activities. Understanding its symbolic weight can enrich creative writing, lending depth to character portrayals and narratives. "Mule" serves as a strong example of a single word holding diverse and impactful connotations. Based on the provided data, the term is prevalent across diverse contexts, showcasing its varied applications. The most frequent usage is observed in news and media, while academic and formal settings also demonstrate considerable usage. "Mule" remains a relevant and frequently employed word.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stubborn person

Focuses on the characteristic of stubbornness often associated with mules.

obstinate individual

Synonymous with "stubborn person".

hybrid animal

Highlights the biological classification of a mule as a hybrid.

drug smuggler

Refers to one specific slang usage of "mule" in criminal contexts.

beast of burden

Emphasizes the mule's role as a working animal.

contraband carrier

A more formal way to describe someone smuggling illicit goods.

sterile offspring

Highlights the mule's inability to reproduce.

pack animal

Focuses on the mule's use for carrying loads.

crossbreed animal

Similar to hybrid, denoting mixed parentage.

animal transport

Describes the use of animals for transportation.

FAQs

How can I use "mule" in a sentence?

You can use "mule" to refer to a hybrid animal, as in "The farmer used a "mule" for plowing the fields", or to a person smuggling drugs, as in "The police arrested the drug "mule" at the border".

What can I say instead of "mule" when referring to someone smuggling drugs?

Consider using alternatives like "smuggler", "carrier", or "trafficker" depending on the specific context and type of goods being transported.

Is it correct to use "mule" to describe a stubborn person?

Yes, it is acceptable to use "mule" to describe a stubborn person, as it alludes to the animal's reputation for being unyielding. However, consider the context, as it might be seen as slightly informal or humorous.

What's the difference between a "mule" and a donkey?

A "mule" is a hybrid offspring of a male donkey and a female horse, while a donkey is a distinct species of the Equus genus. Mules are generally sterile, while donkeys are fertile and can reproduce with other donkeys.