Definition

1. Noun:
   • A mechanical device that has a plunging or thrusting motion: A tool or part of a machine designed to move with a forceful, pushing action.
   • A hand tool for clearing drains: A simple tool consisting of a rubber suction cup attached to a stick, used to unblock toilets and sinks by creating pressure.
   • A person who dives: Someone who jumps or dives headfirst into water.
   • A risk-taker or gambler: Someone who is willing to risk significant losses for the chance of substantial gains, especially in financial speculation or gambling.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Mechanical Device):
  • The pump's plunger moves up and down to create suction.
• Noun (Drain Tool):
  • I used a plunger to fix the clogged toilet.
• Noun (Diver):
  • The plunger executed a perfect dive from the high board.
• Noun (Risk-taker):
  • He was a plunger in the stock market, always betting on risky ventures.

Advanced Usage

• "To take the plunger": This is a common malapropism or confusion with the idiom "to take the plunge," which means to commit to a significant or risky course of action. The correct idiom does not use "plunger."
  • After years of hesitation, she finally took the plunge and started her own business. (Correct idiom)
  • He was a financial plunger, always investing in volatile markets. (Describing a person's nature)

Variants and Related Words

• Plunge (verb): To jump or move quickly and with force, often downward.
  • She decided to plunge into the cold lake.
• Plunge (noun): A sudden and forceful fall or jump.
  • The economy took a sudden plunge.

Synonyms

• For the tool: Drain cleaner, plumber's helper.
• For the diver: Diver, swimmer.
• For the risk-taker: Gambler, speculator, risk-taker, adventurer.

Related Phrases

• Plunger valve: A type of valve that uses a plunging mechanism to control flow.
  • The mechanic replaced the faulty plunger valve in the engine.
• Toilet plunger: A specific type of plunger with a flange, designed for toilet drains.
  • A toilet plunger is essential for household maintenance.

Idioms

• "To throw/put/toss someone a plunger": This is not a standard idiom. The common idiom is related to the verb "plunge," such as "to take the plunge" as noted above. The noun "plunger" itself is not typically used in idiomatic expressions.

Noun

1. mechanical device that has a plunging or thrusting motion
2. hand tool consisting of a stick with a rubber suction cup at one end; used to clean clogged drains
3. someone who dives (into water)
4. someone who risks losses for the possibility of considerable gains