pair of tongs
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A tool consisting of two hinged arms, typically made of metal, used for gripping, lifting, or handling objects, especially hot or delicate items. The arms are joined at a pivot point, with handles at one end and grasping ends (often shaped like pincers, claws, or spoons) at the other.
Usage
"Pair of tongs" is a countable noun. It refers to the complete tool. The word "tongs" can often be used alone with the same meaning, but "pair of tongs" is the standard singular form. - Use it to describe a tool for handling food (e.g., salad tongs, barbecue tongs). - Use it to describe a tool for handling materials in a workshop or fireplace. - It is often preceded by an adjective describing its type or purpose (e.g., sugar tongs, fireplace tongs).
Examples
- Basic Usage:
- Use the pair of tongs to turn the steaks on the grill.
- She picked up the ice cube with a pair of tongs.
- With Descriptive Adjectives:
- The blacksmith reached for a heavy pair of tongs to hold the hot iron.
- A delicate pair of sugar tongs was placed beside the tea set.
Advanced Usage
- The term can be used metaphorically to describe a gripping or pinching action reminiscent of the tool.
- The robot's arm moved with the precise, pinching action of a pair of tongs.
- In historical or specific contexts, the type of tongs is specified.
- The chemist used a pair of crucible tongs to handle the heated beaker.
Variants and Related Words
- Tongs (n): The more common short form for "a pair of tongs." (e.g., )
- Pincers (n): A similar gripping tool, but often implies a stronger, more forceful grip, commonly used in metalworking or by crustaceans like crabs.
- Forceps (n): A precision instrument, similar in principle but used primarily in surgical or laboratory settings.
Synonyms
- Grippers
- Graspers
- Pliers (specifically for a tool used for bending, compressing, or cutting wire, but operates on a similar hinged principle)
Related Phrases
- A pair of scissors / a pair of glasses / a pair of pants: These follow the same grammatical structure, where a singular item is referred to as "a pair of" due to its two symmetrical or joined parts.
Noun
- any of various devices for taking hold of objects; usually have two hinged legs with handles above and pointed hooks below