beacon vs steer

beacon

noun
  • That which gives notice of danger, or keeps people on the correct path. 

  • An electronic device that broadcasts a signal to nearby portable devices, enabling smartphones etc. to perform actions when in physical proximity to the beacon. 

  • A signal fire to notify of the approach of an enemy, or to give any notice, commonly of warning. 

  • A high hill or other easily distinguishable object near the shore which can serve as guidance for seafarers. 

  • A signal or conspicuous mark erected on an eminence near the shore, or moored in shoal water, as a guide to mariners. 

  • A post or buoy placed over a shoal or bank to warn vessels of danger; also a signal mark on land. (FM 55-501) 

verb
  • To furnish with a beacon or beacons. 

  • To act as a beacon. 

  • To give light to, as a beacon; to light up; to illumine. 

steer

noun
  • A suggestion about a course of action. 

  • The castrated male of cattle, especially one raised for beef production. 

verb
  • To conduct oneself; to take or pursue a course of action. 

  • To be directed and governed; to take a direction, or course; to obey the helm. 

  • To direct a group of animals. 

  • To direct a conversation. 

  • To guide the course of a vessel, vehicle, aircraft etc. (by means of a device such as a rudder, paddle, or steering wheel). 

  • To castrate (a male calf). 

  • To direct or send an object into a specific place 

  • To maneuver or manipulate a person or group into a place or course of action. 

How often have the words beacon and steer occurred in a corpus of books? (source: Google Ngram Viewer )