Definition

1. Noun:
   • Pliers, pincers: A hand tool used for gripping, bending, or cutting objects, typically consisting of two crossed metal levers joined at a pivot.
   • Forceps, tongs: A similar tool or instrument used for grasping or holding, often in medical or laboratory contexts.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Anh ấy dùng cái kềm để vặn cái đinh. (He used the pliers to twist the nail.)
  • Bác sĩ phẫu thuật cầm cái kềm y tế. (The surgeon held the surgical forceps.)
  • Hãy đưa cho tôi cái kềm cắt dây. (Please hand me the wire-cutting pliers.)

Advanced Usage

• "kềm kẹp": A specific type of clamping or locking pliers.

  • Anh cần một cái kềm kẹp để giữ chặt miếng kim loại. (You need a locking pliers to hold the metal piece tightly.)

• "trong kềm kẹp của...": Figuratively, to be in the grip or control of something.

  • Công ty đó đang trong kềm kẹp của khủng hoảng tài chính. (That company is in the grip of a financial crisis.)

Variants and Related Words

• Kìm: The more standard and common term for "pliers" or "pincers" in Vietnamese. "Kềm" is often considered a regional (Southern Vietnamese) variant of "kìm".

  • Cái kìm này rất chắc. (These pliers are very sturdy.)

• Kẹp: A clip, clamp, or tongs. Refers to a tool for holding or fastening objects by pressing them together.

  • Cái kẹp giấy (Paper clip)

Synonyms

• Pliers: A general term for gripping and bending tools (e.g., combination pliers).
• Pincers: Similar to pliers, often with a more specific jaw shape for pulling nails or pins.
• Forceps: A tool used in medicine or science for grasping small objects.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

(Note: As "kềm" is a noun, it does not have phrasal verbs. However, the verb form of its standard variant "kìm" can be used in phrases.) - Kìm lại / Kềm lại: To hold back, to restrain (using the verb form of the related word "kìm"). - Anh ấy phải kìm lại cơn giận. (He had to hold back his anger.)

Related Idioms

• "Kềm chế" / "Kìm chế": To control, to restrain (oneself or a situation). This idiom uses the verb form derived from the tool's concept of gripping/holding.
  • Cô ấy học cách kềm chế cảm xúc. (She is learning to control her emotions.)

noun

1. pincers