tin opener
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A hand-held tool designed to cut open the sealed metal lids of tin cans (also called cans or tins) to access the contents inside.
Usage
A tin opener is a common kitchen utensil. It is used by placing its cutting wheel against the rim of a sealed can, then applying pressure and rotating the tool around the lid to cut through the metal.
Examples
- "I can't find the tin opener to open this can of beans."
- "Modern electric tin openers are much easier to use than the manual kind."
- "Before the invention of the tin opener, people used knives or chisels to open cans, which was dangerous."
Advanced Usage
- "to be like a tin opener": (Informal simile) Used to describe something that is very effective at revealing information or secrets, often in an uncomfortable or forceful way.
- His direct questioning was like a tin opener, prying open the company's hidden scandals.
Variants and Related Words
- Can opener: (Noun) The more common term in American English, synonymous with "tin opener."
- Electric can opener: (Noun) A powered version of the tool.
Synonyms
- Can opener
- Can cutter
Related Idioms
- "A tin opener for the truth": (Metaphorical) Something that forces the truth to be revealed.
- The leaked documents acted as a tin opener for the truth about the government's actions.
Noun
- a device for cutting cans open