ratchet down

Học thuật
Thân thiện
ratchet down

The mechanic uses a ratchet down to tighten the bolt.

Definition

Verb (transitive) 1. To reduce or decrease something in a series of controlled, incremental steps, typically in a way that is difficult to reverse. * This action is often compared to the mechanism of a ratchet, which allows motion in only one direction, preventing backward slippage. * It implies a gradual, step-by-step tightening or reduction of intensity, pressure, or level.

Usage Examples
  • Verb:
    • The central bank decided to ratchet down interest rates slowly to avoid shocking the economy.
    • Management is trying to ratchet down costs by implementing new efficiency measures each quarter.
    • We need to ratchet down the tension in these negotiations before they break down completely.
Advanced Usage
  • "to ratchet down the pressure": To systematically and deliberately reduce force, stress, or demands.
    • The mediator's goal was to ratchet down the pressure on both sides of the dispute.
  • Implied Irreversibility: While not absolute, the term often carries a connotation that the reductions are part of a sustained policy or trend, not a temporary fluctuation.
    • The new regulations will ratchet down emissions over the next decade.
Variants and Related Words
  • Ratchet (verb/noun): The base word. As a verb, it can mean to cause something to rise or fall in a stepwise manner (e.g., , ).
  • Ratchet up (phrasal verb): The direct opposite, meaning to increase something incrementally.
    • The army began to ratchet up its offensive.
Synonyms
  • Reduce gradually: To lessen in stages.
  • Scale back: To reduce in size or extent.
  • Wind down: To bring something to a gradual conclusion or lower level.
  • De-escalate: To reduce the intensity or scope of a conflict.
Related Phrasal Verbs
  • Dial down (informal): To reduce the intensity, volume, or force of something.
    • Can you dial down the criticism? It's not helping.
  • Tone down: To make something less forceful, offensive, or extreme.
    • He was asked to tone down his aggressive rhetoric.
Related Idioms
  • Take the heat off: To reduce pressure or criticism on someone or something.
    • The new policy is designed to take the heat off struggling consumers.
  • Ease off on: To apply less pressure or to be less strict.
    • The coach finally eased off on the team after a string of victories.
ratchet down

The mechanic uses a ratchet down to tighten the bolt.

Verb
  1. move by degrees in one direction only
    • a ratcheting lopping tool

Từ đồng nghĩa