Der polyseme Zug der deutschen Sprache

This chapter focuses on the lexeme Zug, which derives from the verb ziehen. After a brief look at its etymological and morphosemantic features, our study, supported by examples, proceeds by analysing the combined working of polysemy and motivation as well as the related phraseologisms which are characterized by various readings. The considerable range of meanings and the variety of uses of Zug show how linguistic economy, enabled by the use of a single word, may contribute to the enrichment of the lexicon.