Meaning: The roots of the tree spread out in the soil, holding it firmly in place.
Choice of Words: Roots are the underground parts of a plant that anchor it in the soil. Anchor means to hold something firmly in place. Earth is the ground or soil.
Alternative Expressions
Roots are like the feet of a tree, and they keep the tree standing up.
Meaning: This means that the roots of the tree are like the feet of a person or animal, and they are what keep the tree standing upright.
Choice of Words:Roots are the parts of a plant that grow down into the ground to get water and nutrients for the plant. Feet are the parts of a person or animal that they use to stand and walk. Tree is a large plant with a trunk and branches. Standing up means to be in a position where your body is straight up and down. So when you put it all together, "Roots are like the feet of a tree, and they keep the tree standing up" means that the roots of the tree are what keep the tree from falling over.
The roots of the tree are like the glue that holds the tree in the ground.
Meaning: This means that the roots of the tree are like glue, and they are what keep the tree stuck in the ground.
Choice of Words:Roots are the parts of a plant that grow down into the ground to get water and nutrients for the plant. Glue is a sticky substance that is used to hold things together. Tree is a large plant with a trunk and branches. Ground is the soil or earth. So when you put it all together, "The roots of the tree are like the glue that holds the tree in the ground" means that the roots of the tree are what keep the tree from falling over.