screw-eye
Definition
- Noun:
- A type of fastener: A "screw-eye" is a screw with a looped head (an eye) at one end, used to attach ropes, hooks, or wires to a surface. It is typically made of metal and has a threaded shaft for secure fastening.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- He installed a screw-eye in the ceiling to hang the plant. (A fastener with a looped head used for hanging objects.)
- The screw-eye held the wire securely against the wall. (The threaded fastener kept the wire in place.)
Advanced Usage
"to put a screw-eye into something": to install a screw-eye into a material for hanging or securing purposes.
- She put a screw-eye into the wooden beam to support the swing. (She attached the fastener for structural support.)
"to use a screw-eye as an anchor": to employ a screw-eye as a fixed point for tying or holding something.
- The sailor used a screw-eye as an anchor point for the rope. (The looped screw served as a secure attachment.)
Variants and Related Words
Screw (n): a threaded fastener used to join objects.
- He tightened the screw with a drill. (A general fastener, not specific to looped heads.)
Eye (n): a loop or hole in an object, especially for threading or attaching.
- The needle has a small eye for the thread. (A hole for passing something through.)
Synonyms
- Eye screw: another term for screw-eye, emphasizing the looped head.
- Hook screw: a similar fastener with a hook instead of a loop.
- Screw hook: interchangeable term, though often used for hooks rather than loops.
Related Idioms
"to have a screw loose": an idiom meaning to be eccentric or slightly crazy (not directly related to screw-eye, but shares the word "screw").
- He thinks he can fly — he must have a screw loose. (He is acting strangely.)
"to screw up one's eyes": to squint or close one's eyes tightly (unrelated to the fastener, but uses "eye" and "screw").
- She screwed up her eyes against the bright sun. (She squinted to block the light.)