das Zugpferd
Translation
draft horse, main attraction, star performer
Examples
Das Zugpferd zog den schweren Wagen.
The draft horse pulled the heavy wagon.
Er ist das Zugpferd des Unternehmens.
He is the company's star performer.
Grammar Patterns
to be the main attraction ((for sth.)) The new player is the main attraction 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
Think of a horse (Pferd) that pulls (Zug) a wagon. Figuratively, it's the star performer who 'pulls' in the crowds or drives a project.