das Zugpferd
Translation
draught horse, main attraction, driving force, crowd-puller
Examples
Das Zugpferd zog den schweren Wagen.
The draught horse pulled the heavy wagon.
Er ist das Zugpferd des Unternehmens.
He is the company's driving force.
Grammar Patterns
to be the driving force ((for sth.)) The new player is the driving force for the team.
Similar Words
Literal: Arbeitspferd (workhorse); Figurative: Aushängeschild (figurehead), Star
Etymology
From 'Zug' (pull) and 'Pferd' (horse). Literally a 'pulling horse'.
Memory Tips
Picture a strong horse (Pferd) pulling (Zug) a cart. This image extends figuratively to a person who 'pulls' a company or team to success.