dead lift

A man attempts a dead lift with a heavy barbell.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A maximal effort to lift something heavy: "dead lift" refers to a strenuous attempt to raise a weight that is extremely heavy, often implying that the effort is ultimately unsuccessful or requires extraordinary exertion.
   • A weightlifting exercise: In modern fitness, "dead lift" (also spelled "deadlift") is a specific exercise where a loaded barbell or bar is lifted from the ground to the level of the hips, then lowered, typically involving the legs, back, and core.

Usage Examples

• Noun (maximal effort):

  • Moving the piano up the stairs was a dead lift; we couldn't budge it an inch. (A futile attempt to lift a very heavy object.)
  • The box was so heavy that even with two people, it was a dead lift. (An impossible lifting effort.)

• Noun (weightlifting exercise):

  • He performed a dead lift with 200 kilograms at the gym. (A weightlifting exercise involving lifting a barbell from the ground.)
  • Proper form is crucial in the dead lift to avoid back injury. (The exercise requires correct technique.)

Advanced Usage

• "a dead lift" (figurative): an extremely difficult or challenging task that requires immense effort.

  • Getting the project approved was a dead lift; we had to convince every department head. (A very hard task.)

• "dead-lift" (verb, rare): to lift something with great effort, often unsuccessfully.

  • They dead-lifted the crate onto the truck, sweating heavily. (They lifted it with extreme effort.)

Variants and Related Words

• Deadlift (n, common spelling): the weightlifting exercise.
  • The deadlift is one of the three powerlifting movements. (The exercise as a standard term.)
• Dead-lifter (n): a person who performs deadlifts, especially in competition.
  • She is a competitive dead-lifter with a personal record of 150 kg. (A person specializing in the exercise.)
• Dead-lifting (v, gerund): the act of performing the deadlift exercise.
  • Dead-lifting requires strong hamstrings and a stable core. (The action of doing deadlifts.)

Synonyms

• Heave: a strong pull or lift, often with effort.
• Haul: to pull or lift something heavy with force.
• Strain: an effort that puts stress on the body.

Phrasal Verbs

• Lift up: to raise something to a higher position.
  • They tried to lift up the stone, but it was too heavy. (To raise upward.)

Related Idioms

• A dead weight: something that is very heavy and difficult to move.
  • The old sofa was a dead weight in the moving truck. (A burdensome, heavy object.)
• Lift a finger: to make the slightest effort (often used negatively).
  • He didn't lift a finger to help with the dead lift. (He made no effort at all.)