Definition

1. Noun:
   • A tool for making holes or indentations: A device or implement used to perforate or create depressions in materials such as paper, leather, or metal.
   • Someone who delivers punches: A person who strikes with a fist, especially in the context of boxing or fighting.
   • A hired hand who tends cattle and performs other duties on horseback: A worker, typically on a ranch, responsible for herding and caring for livestock, often while riding a horse.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Tool):
  • She used a paper puncher to make holes in the documents for the binder.
  • The leatherworker used a puncher to create decorative patterns in the belt.
• Noun (Person who punches):
  • He was known as a powerful puncher in the boxing ring.
  • The angry puncher broke the glass with a single blow.
• Noun (Cattle worker):
  • The puncher rode out at dawn to check on the herd.
  • Life as a puncher on the ranch was demanding but rewarding.

Advanced Usage

• "Ticket puncher": A person or device that validates or cancels tickets by making a hole in them.
  • The conductor acted as the ticket puncher on the old train.
• "Clock puncher": (Informal, often derogatory) An employee who works rigidly fixed hours with little engagement or ambition; a time-clock worker.
  • He didn't want to be just another clock puncher; he sought a more creative career.

Variants and Related Words

• Punch (verb/noun): To strike with a fist; a tool or machine for stamping, piercing, or shaping.
• Punching (noun/gerund): The action of delivering a punch or using a punch tool.
• Punchball (noun): A game or toy for practicing punching.
• Punch-up (noun, chiefly British): A fistfight or brawl.

Synonyms

• Tool: Perforator, hole puncher, awl, drill.
• Person who punches: Striker, hitter, boxer, fighter.
• Cattle worker: Cowboy, ranch hand, drover, herdsman, wrangler.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Compounds

• Punch in/out: To record one's time of arrival at or departure from work, typically using a time clock.
  • Workers must punch in by 9 a.m. and punch out at 5 p.m.
• Punch-up (noun): As mentioned above, a fight or altercation.
  • There was a minor punch-up outside the bar last night.

Related Idioms

• "Pull one's punches": To restrain the force of one's criticisms or attacks.
  • The reviewer didn't pull any punches; the critique was brutally honest.
• "Punch above one's weight": To compete or perform at a level higher than expected based on one's resources or status.
  • The small company consistently punches above its weight in the tech industry.

Noun

1. a tool for making holes or indentations
2. someone who delivers punches
3. a hired hand who tends cattle and performs other duties on horseback