pocketknife

Thân thiện

A boy uses his pocketknife to carefully whittle a small piece of wood.

Definition

Noun: A small knife with one or more blades that fold into the handle, designed for safe and convenient carrying in a pocket.

Usage

A "pocketknife" is a common, portable tool. It is used for various small tasks such as opening packages, cutting string, or light whittling. The key feature is its folding mechanism, which protects the blade and makes it safe to carry.

Examples

• He used his pocketknife to cut the rope.
• Always close the blade of your pocketknife after use.
• A good pocketknife is an essential tool for camping.

Advanced Usage

• "Swiss Army knife": This is a specific, famous brand and type of multi-function pocketknife that includes additional tools like screwdrivers and can openers.
  • He fixed his glasses with the tiny screwdriver on his Swiss Army knife.

Variants and Related Words

• Penknife (noun): Another term for a small pocketknife, originally used for sharpening quill pens.
• Folding knife (noun): A more general term for any knife with a folding blade.
• Multi-tool (noun): A device that incorporates a folding knife blade along with other tools like pliers and screwdrivers.

Synonyms

• Folding knife
• Penknife
• Jackknife (Note: "jackknife" can also refer to a type of dive or a truck accident, so context is important.)

Idioms

• "Like a boy scout with a pocketknife": Used to describe someone who is overly eager, prepared, or trying to fix something with a simple tool.
  • He approached the complex engine problem like a boy scout with a pocketknife.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a knife with a blade that folds into the handle; suitable for carrying in the pocket

Từ đồng nghĩa

• pocket knife