grip-brake

grip-brake

A driver pulls the grip-brake to park the car on a hill.

Definition

Noun: A hand-operated brake mechanism, typically used on bicycles, scooters, or other vehicles, that is activated by squeezing a lever or handle.

Usage Examples
  • (The hand lever brake was used to reduce speed.)
  • (The brake lever is positioned for easy hand access.)
  • (He inspected the hand brake mechanism for damage or degradation.)
Advanced Usage
  • "to apply the grip-brake": to engage the hand-operated brake.

    • She applied the grip-brake firmly to avoid hitting the pedestrian. (She squeezed the lever to stop quickly.)
  • "grip-brake cable": the wire that connects the brake lever to the brake mechanism.

    • The grip-brake cable snapped, causing a loss of stopping power. (The connecting wire broke.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Grip (n): the act of holding tightly; a part designed to be held (e.g., the handle of a tool).

    • His grip on the handlebar was firm. (His hold was strong.)
  • Brake (n): a device for slowing or stopping motion.

    • The car's brake failed on the hill. (The stopping device malfunctioned.)
Synonyms
  • Handbrake: a brake operated by hand rather than foot.
  • Lever brake: a brake that uses a lever mechanism.
Related Idioms
  • Grip-brake does not commonly appear in idioms, but the word components appear in:
    • "Get a grip on": to gain control or understanding of something.
      • He needs to get a grip on his emotions. (He needs to control his feelings.)
    • "Put the brakes on": to slow down or stop an activity.
      • The company put the brakes on new hiring. (They stopped hiring new employees.)