crow-bar

A worker uses a crow-bar to open a wooden crate.

Definition

Noun: - A straight iron or steel bar, often with a flattened end, used as a lever for prying or lifting heavy objects, such as nails, crates, or stones. The term "crowbar" refers specifically to a tool designed for leverage, typically with a wedge-shaped tip for gripping and applying force to separate, open, or move objects.

Usage Examples

• (A levering tool for separating nailed boards.)
• (A bar for applying leverage to move a weighty object.)
• (A multipurpose levering tool for urgent situations.)

Advanced Usage

• "to use a crowbar on something": to apply forceful leverage with a crowbar to open or separate an object.

  • They had to use a crowbar on the rusted lock to break it. (Forcing the lock open with the tool.)

• "as blunt as a crowbar": a simile meaning extremely direct or lacking subtlety (often used figuratively).

  • His criticism was as blunt as a crowbar, leaving no room for interpretation. (His remarks were harsh and straightforward.)

Variants and Related Words

• Crowbar (n): the standard spelling; also written as "crow bar" in older usage.
• Crowbarlike (adj): resembling or functioning like a crowbar.
  • The crowbarlike tool was ideal for prying open the lid. (Having the properties of a crowbar.)

Synonyms

• Lever: a simple machine used to lift or pry objects.
• Pry bar: a general term for a bar used for prying.
• Wrecking bar: a similar tool with a curved end for demolition work.
• Jimmy: a short crowbar used by burglars (informal).

Related Idioms

• "to crowbar something in": to force something into a situation or conversation awkwardly (informal, figurative).
  • He tried to crowbar a joke into the serious meeting, but it fell flat. (He forced an inappropriate comment into the discussion.)