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

1. a device for cutting cans open