picklock

A locksmith uses a picklock to open a stuck door.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A person who picks locks: "picklock" refers to an individual who specializes in opening locks without a key, often for illegal purposes (such as a burglar) or legitimate locksmithing.
   • A tool for picking locks: "picklock" can also mean an instrument used to manipulate the components of a lock to open it without the correct key.

Usage Examples

• Person:

  • The detective suspected the thief was a skilled picklock. (A person who picks locks for criminal activity.)
  • The locksmith, an expert picklock, opened the door in minutes. (A professional who picks locks legally.)

• Tool:

  • He used a picklock to bypass the old padlock. (A tool designed to open locks.)
  • The police found a set of picklocks in the suspect's bag. (Instruments for lock manipulation.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be a picklock": to have the skill or role of opening locks without a key.

  • In the novel, the protagonist is a notorious picklock who helps the police. (He uses his lock-picking ability for good.)

• "picklock tools": a set of instruments specifically for lock manipulation.

  • The kit contained various picklock tools, including tension wrenches and picks. (Specialised equipment.)

Variants and Related Words

• Lockpick (n): a synonym for picklock, especially referring to the tool.

  • The lockpick was slender and curved for precision. (A tool similar to a picklock.)

• Picklocking (n): the act or skill of opening locks without a key.

  • Picklocking requires patience and dexterity. (The practice of lock manipulation.)

Synonyms

• Locksmith: a person who makes or repairs locks, sometimes including lock picking as a legitimate skill.
• Burglar: a person who breaks into buildings illegally, often using lock-picking techniques (negative connotation).
• Pick: a thin, pointed tool used in lock picking.

Phrasal Verbs

• Pick a lock: to open a lock using a tool or skill, without a key.
  • He managed to pick the lock on the chest with a hairpin. (He opened it by manipulating the lock mechanism.)

Related Idioms

• Pick the lock of someone's heart: a poetic idiom meaning to win someone's affection or trust.

  • With his charm, he seemed to pick the lock of her heart. (He gradually gained her love.)

• As easy as picking a lock: used to describe something that is simple or straightforward.

  • Solving this puzzle was as easy as picking a lock for him. (Very easy due to his skill.)