Definition

1. Noun:

   • A tool for making holes: A device used to create holes or indentations in materials like paper, metal, or leather.
   • A mixed drink: An iced beverage, often containing alcohol, fruit juice, and spices, typically served in large quantities from a punch bowl.
   • A blow with the fist: A quick, hard hit delivered with a closed hand, especially in boxing or fighting.

2. Verb:

   • To make a hole: To pierce or perforate a material using a tool or force.
   • To hit with the fist: To strike someone or something with a closed hand.
   • To press a button: To press or hit a button or key, often with force or decisiveness (e.g., on a keyboard or machine).

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • He used a hole punch to organize his papers.
  • We served fruit punch at the party.
  • The boxer threw a powerful punch to his opponent's jaw.

• Verb:

  • The worker punched a ticket at the station.
  • She punched him in the arm after he told the joke.
  • Punch the "Enter" key to confirm your selection.

Advanced Usage

• "to pull one's punches": To restrain the force of one's criticism or attacks; to avoid being as harsh as one could be.

  • The reviewer pulled her punches because she knew the author personally.

• "to punch above one's weight": To compete or perform at a level higher than expected based on one's resources, size, or status.

  • The small company consistently punches above its weight in the tech industry.

• "to punch in/out": To record the time of one's arrival at or departure from work, typically using a time clock.

  • Employees must punch in by 9 AM.

Variants and Related Words

• Puncher (n): A person or tool that punches.

  • He worked as a puncher in a factory.

• Punchy (adj): Forceful and effective; or, dazed or unsteady from being punched.

  • She gave a punchy presentation that captivated the audience.

• Punchline (n): The final part of a joke or story that creates the humorous or surprising effect.

  • He forgot the punchline, so the joke fell flat.

Synonyms

• Noun (blow): Hit, jab, blow, strike.
• Verb (hit): Strike, hit, thump, jab.
• Verb (perforate): Pierce, perforate, puncture.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Punch in/out: To record one's time of arrival/departure from work.

  • Don't forget to punch out when you leave.

• Punch up: To make something more lively, interesting, or forceful.

  • The editor asked the writer to punch up the conclusion of the article.

Related Idioms

• As pleased as Punch: Extremely pleased or delighted.

  • He was as pleased as Punch with his exam results.

• Pack a punch: To have a powerful effect or impact.

  • This chili sauce really packs a punch.

• Roll with the punches: To adapt to difficulties or setbacks.

  • In this business, you have to learn to roll with the punches.

Noun

1. a tool for making holes or indentations
2. an iced mixed drink usually containing alcohol and prepared for multiple servings; normally served in a punch bowl
3. (boxing) a blow with the fist
   • I gave him a clout on his nose

Verb

1. make a hole into or between, as for ease of separation
   • perforate the sheets of paper
2. drive forcibly as if by a punch
   • the nail punched through the wall
3. deliver a quick blow to
   • he punched me in the stomach