hatcher

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A device for hatching eggs: "hatcher" refers to a machine or apparatus used to artificially incubate eggs, typically in poultry farming, to bring them to the point of hatching.
    • A person who hatches eggs: In a literal sense, "hatcher" can mean a person who manages or operates an incubator for hatching eggs.
    • A person who plots or schemes: Figuratively, "hatcher" describes someone who secretly devises plans, often with negative or conspiratorial intent (e.g., a "hatcher of plots").
Usage Examples
  • Noun (device):
    • The farmer purchased a new hatcher to increase the farm's chick production. (A machine for hatching eggs artificially.)
  • Noun (person, literal):
    • The hatcher carefully monitored the temperature and humidity inside the incubator. (The person responsible for hatching eggs.)
  • Noun (person, figurative):
    • The spy was known as a hatcher of secret schemes against the government. (A person who secretly plots or conspires.)
Advanced Usage
  • "to be a hatcher": To habitually plan or devise ideas, often secretly.
    • In the office, he was a hatcher of innovative but risky business strategies. (He was known for constantly creating new, sometimes questionable, plans.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Hatch (verb): to emerge from an egg; also, to devise or plot.
    • The chicks will hatch in about 21 days. (To come out of the egg.)
    • They hatched a plan to escape. (To devise a secret scheme.)
  • Hatchery (noun): a facility where eggs are hatched, especially for fish or poultry.
    • The salmon hatchery releases thousands of fry into the river each year. (A place for artificial egg incubation.)
Synonyms
  • Incubator (n): a machine that provides controlled conditions for hatching eggs.
  • Plotter (n): a person who secretly plans something, often harmful or illegal.
  • Schemer (n): someone who devises cunning or dishonest plans.
Related Idioms
  • "Hatch a plot": To devise a secret plan.
    • The villains hatched a plot to rob the bank. (They secretly planned the robbery.)
  • "Count one's chickens before they hatch": To assume that something will happen before it actually does.
    • Don't count your chickens before they hatch — the deal isn't final yet. (Do not be overly optimistic about a future outcome.)