Definition

1. Noun:
   • A weightlifting exercise: The "clean and jerk" is a two-part Olympic weightlifting movement. First, the lifter pulls the barbell from the floor to the shoulders (the "clean"). Then, from a stationary position at the shoulders, the lifter drives the barbell overhead to a locked-arm position (the "jerk").

Usage

• Noun:
  • The athlete set a new world record in the clean and jerk.
  • Her training focuses heavily on improving her clean and jerk technique.

Advanced Usage

• "to perform a clean and jerk": To execute the complete lift.
  • He will attempt to perform a clean and jerk with 200 kg.
• "clean and jerk attempt": A specific try at lifting a weight in this discipline.
  • Her final clean and jerk attempt secured the gold medal.

Variants and Related Words

• Clean (n): The first phase of the lift, bringing the barbell to the shoulders.
  • His clean was powerful, but he struggled with the jerk.
• Jerk (n): The second phase of the lift, moving the barbell from shoulders to overhead.
  • She has a very stable jerk.
• Snatch (n): The other main Olympic weightlifting discipline, where the barbell is lifted from the floor to overhead in one continuous motion.
  • The competition totals the best snatch and the best clean and jerk.

Synonyms

• Two-part lift: Describes its composite nature.
• Overhead lift: Describes the final result of the movement.

Related Phrases

• "Clean and press": A historical lift similar to the clean and jerk, but the press phase did not allow leg drive.
  • The clean and press was removed from Olympic competition in 1972.

Noun

1. a weightlift in which the barbell is lifted to shoulder height and then jerked overhead