Chaff

Chaff refers to the husks of grains or other seeds separated from the edible part, often used as animal feed or discarded as waste. It also functions as a metaphor for anything worthless or trivial, or as a means of deception. Furthermore, it can describe small pieces of material, like metal foil, released in the air to confuse radar systems. This multifaceted term highlights its agricultural, metaphorical, and technological applications.

Chaff meaning with examples

• The farmer gathered the wheat and separated the grain from the chaff, ensuring only the valuable kernels were stored for sale. The cows enjoyed the nutritious chaff mixed with their feed. Using the chaff as compost, he enriched the soil, making it ready for the next harvest.
• In the marketplace, many salespeople are known to use deceptive tactics, they have been called 'chaff merchants', just attempting to take advantage of the unsuspecting and make an easy buck.
• During the storm, the wind blew the light chaff from the threshed wheat across the fields, making it difficult to see. The farmer used the separated chaff and other plant residues as mulch, returning vital nutrients to the earth.
• The military plane deployed chaff to confuse the incoming missiles, creating multiple false targets. The chaff reflected the radar signals, making it hard for the enemy to lock on a stable target, securing safe return.
• Politicians often use a lot of chaff during debates, focusing on minor issues and avoid the key points to avoid answering serious questions. With skillful rhetoric, the candidates' debates were considered by the audience as nothing but chaff.