Cottage Industry
Definition: A "cottage industry" is a small-scale business that is usually run from home by individuals or families. In a cottage industry, people make or produce goods using their own tools and equipment, rather than working for a large company in a large factory.
Usage Instructions: You can use the term "cottage industry" when discussing types of small businesses, crafts, or production methods that are done at home. It often refers to traditional crafts, homemade products, or small-scale manufacturing.
Example: "My grandmother runs a cottage industry where she makes handmade quilts and sells them at local markets."
Advanced Usage: In modern contexts, "cottage industry" can refer to any small-scale business that operates independently, including those that sell products online or provide services. For instance, many people have turned to cottage industries during economic downturns or after losing jobs.
Word Variants: - Cottage Industries (plural): Referring to multiple small-scale home-based businesses. - Cottage Industy (adjective): Describing something that relates to or is characteristic of a cottage industry, like "cottage industry products."
Different Meaning: The term "cottage" on its own typically refers to a small house, usually in a rural area. However, when combined with "industry," it focuses on home-based production.
Synonyms: - Home-based business - Small-scale industry - Handicraft industry - Microenterprise
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:While there aren't specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly associated with "cottage industry," you might hear phrases related to small businesses, such as "start from scratch," which means to create something from nothing, often used by entrepreneurs.
Summary: A "cottage industry" is a small business run from home, often involving handmade products or crafts.