nudge
/nʌdʤ/
Definition
Noun:
- A slight push or shake: A gentle physical contact, often with the elbow, to get someone's attention or to indicate something.
- A gentle persuasion or encouragement: A figurative push to prompt someone into action or thought.
Verb:
- To push against gently: To touch or push someone or something lightly, especially with the elbow.
- To push into action by pestering or annoying gently: To encourage or persuade someone to do something through persistent, gentle reminders.
Usage Examples
Noun:
- She gave me a nudge to point out the mistake in the report.
- Sometimes all you need is a little nudge to start a new project.
Verb:
- He nudged the door with his shoulder to open it.
- I had to nudge him several times to finish his application before the deadline.
Advanced Usage
"To give someone a nudge": To remind or encourage someone gently.
- Can you give John a nudge about the meeting tomorrow? He tends to forget.
"A nudge in the right direction": Helpful advice or a gentle push that helps someone make progress.
- Her mentor's feedback was just the nudge in the right direction she needed.
Variants and Related Words
- Nudger (n): A person who nudges.
- He's a constant nudger, always reminding everyone of their tasks.
Synonyms
- Prod: To poke or jab, often used figuratively to mean urging someone.
- Prompt: To cause someone to take action.
- Elbow (v): To push with the elbow (more specific and physical).
Related Phrasal Verbs
(Note: "Nudge" is not commonly used in phrasal verb constructions. Its meaning is typically contained in the single word.)
Related Idioms
- "Nudge nudge, wink wink": A phrase said to suggest that something is being hinted at, especially something salacious or secretive, often in a joking manner.
- He said he had a "very good time" with her last night, nudge nudge, wink wink.
Noun
-
a slight push or shake
Verb
-
push into action by pestering or annoying gently
-
to push against gently
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She nudged my elbow when she saw her friend enter the restaurant
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