jink

The pilot executed a sharp jink to evade the incoming fire.

Definition

1. Noun:

   • A quick evasive movement: "jink" refers to a sudden, sharp turn or swerve made to avoid something, especially in sports, military aviation, or driving.

2. Verb:

   • To move quickly and evasively: The primary meaning — to make a sudden, sharp turn or swerve in order to avoid an obstacle, attack, or pursuer.
   • To dodge or sidestep: Used figuratively to describe avoiding a problem or responsibility.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The pilot performed a quick jink to evade the missile. (A sudden evasive turn in the air.)
  • The runner's jink to the left left the defender grasping at air. (A sharp change of direction in sports.)

• Verb:

  • The car jinked sharply to avoid the deer on the road. (The driver made a sudden swerve.)
  • She jinked through the crowd, slipping past everyone. (She moved quickly and evasively through people.)
  • He tried to jink out of paying the bill. (He attempted to avoid a responsibility.)

Advanced Usage

• "Jink and weave": a common phrase meaning to move in a zigzag or unpredictable pattern to avoid being hit or caught.

  • The boxer jinked and weaved, making it impossible for his opponent to land a punch. (He used quick, dodging movements.)

• "Jink away": to move away suddenly to avoid something.

  • The rabbit jinked away from the fox just in time. (The rabbit escaped by a sudden turn.)

Variants and Related Words

• Jinker (n): a person or thing that jinks; also, a type of light horse-drawn carriage.

  • The jinker on the football field was known for his quick moves. (A player who dodges well.)

• Jinking (adj/gerund): describing the act of making quick evasive movements.

  • The jinking motion of the aircraft confused the radar. (The evasive pattern.)

Synonyms

• Dodge: to move quickly to avoid something.
• Swerve: to change direction suddenly.
• Weave: to move from side to side while advancing.
• Sidestep: to step to one side to avoid.

Phrasal Verbs

• Jink out of: to avoid or escape from something, often a duty or obligation.

  • He always tries to jink out of doing his homework. (He avoids the task.)

• Jink past: to move quickly and evasively past someone or something.

  • The player jinked past two defenders and scored. (He dodged them.)

Related Idioms

• Jink one's way through: to navigate a difficult situation by using quick, evasive actions.

  • She jinked her way through the crowded market without bumping into anyone. (She moved skillfully.)

• No jink in him/her: lacking the ability to avoid or evade effectively.

  • The defender had no jink in him, so the striker easily got past. (He lacked evasive skill.)