darbies

A police officer places darbies on a suspect's wrists.

Definition

1. Noun (plural):
   • Handcuffs: "darbies" is a slang term for handcuffs, typically used in informal or historical contexts.

Usage Examples

• (The detective put handcuffs on the suspect.)
• (He attempted to flee, but the handcuffs were fastened securely.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be in darbies": to be handcuffed or restrained.

  • The prisoner was led away in darbies. (The prisoner was taken away while wearing handcuffs.)

• "to put someone in darbies": to handcuff someone.

  • The officer put the thief in darbies before transporting him. (The officer handcuffed the thief.)

Variants and Related Words

• Darbies (n, plural): only used in this plural form; no common singular variant exists in standard usage.

Synonyms

• Handcuffs: metal restraints for the wrists.
• Manacles: shackles or restraints for the hands.
• Shackles: metal links or chains used to restrict movement.

Related Idioms

• "to be in irons": similar to being in darbies, meaning to be chained or restrained.

  • The mutineers were put in irons. (The rebels were chained up.)

• "to slap the darbies on": a colloquial expression meaning to handcuff someone quickly.

  • The officer slapped the darbies on the suspect without hesitation. (The officer handcuffed the suspect swiftly.)

Phrasal Verbs (Not applicable)

No common phrasal verbs are associated with "darbies" as it is a noun.