Deadhead
Deadhead turns up in 2 fields: railroad, farming. Here is what it means to the people in each one.
Deadhead in railroad
To travel as a passenger to or from an assignment, paid but not working the train.
Crews deadhead by van, car or on another train when they need to reach a train away from the terminal, or to get home after working a trip one way. Deadhead time is paid under labor agreements, and a deadhead home after a long tie-up is the best kind of trip. The word also covers equipment moved without being used, such as a locomotive deadheaded in a train with its engine shut down.
"Worked the manifest to Cheyenne, deadheaded back in the van, and I'm first out again tomorrow."
Deadhead in farming
The practice of cutting or pinching off faded flowers from a plant.
Removing spent blooms from flowering plants prevents them from setting seed. This redirects the plant's energy into vegetative growth, root development, or producing a second flush of flowers. It also keeps ornamental beds looking tidy and reduces the risk of fungal infections in rotting petals.
"Make sure you deadhead the roses before you move on to the perennial beds."