mỏ-lết
Definition
- Noun:
- Adjustable wrench / Crescent wrench: A hand tool with one fixed jaw and one adjustable jaw, used for turning nuts and bolts of various sizes. The name "mỏ-lết" is a phonetic adaptation from the French word "molette," meaning a small wheel or knurled knob, but in Vietnamese, it specifically refers to this type of wrench.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Anh đưa cho tôi cái mỏ-lết. (He handed me the adjustable wrench.)
- Bạn cần một cái mỏ-lết để siết chặt con ốc này. (You need an adjustable wrench to tighten this nut.)
- Mỏ-lết là một công cụ thiết yếu trong hộp đồ nghề. (An adjustable wrench is an essential tool in a toolbox.)
Advanced Usage
- The tool is characterized by its adjustable jaw, which is moved by turning a screw mechanism. It is a versatile tool for general mechanical work but is not designed for high-torque applications where a fixed spanner or socket wrench would be preferred.
Variants and Related Words
- Cờ-lê (n): A general term for wrenches or spanners. "Mỏ-lết" is a specific type of "cờ-lê."
- Cờ-lê có nhiều loại như cờ-lê miệng, cờ-lê ống, và mỏ-lết. (There are many types of wrenches like open-end wrenches, socket wrenches, and adjustable wrenches.)
Synonyms
- Adjustable spanner
- Crescent wrench (a common brand name that has become generic)
Related Idioms
- : To work very hard or mechanically, like a tool. This is a rare, colloquial comparison.
- Cả ngày anh ấy làm việc như mỏ-lết. (He worked like a wrench all day [meaning: very hard and steadily].)