turn-screw

A carpenter uses a turn-screw to tighten a screw into a wooden plank.

Definition

Noun: A tool used for turning screws; a screwdriver.

Usage Examples

• (He used the screwdriver to secure the handle.)
• (A screwdriver was stored for routine repairs.)

Advanced Usage

• "to use a turn-screw": to employ a screwdriver for driving or removing screws.

  • Before assembling the furniture, ensure you have a proper turn-screw. (Make sure you have a suitable screwdriver.)

• "turn-screw" as a compound noun: In historical or technical contexts, this term may refer to any tool that rotates a threaded fastener.

  • The old craftsman preferred a manual turn-screw over a power drill for fine work. (He chose a hand-operated screwdriver for precision.)

Variants and Related Words

• Screwdriver (noun): a more common term for the same tool, typically with a handle and a shaped tip.

  • A flat-head screwdriver is a type of turn-screw. (It is a specific kind of screw-turning tool.)

• Turn (verb): to rotate or cause to rotate.

  • You must turn the screw clockwise to tighten it. (Rotate the screw in the direction of a clock hand.)

Synonyms

• Screwdriver: a tool for turning screws.
• Driver: a general term for a tool that drives screws or nails.

Related Idioms

• "to have a screw loose": (informal) to be slightly eccentric or irrational (not directly related to the tool, but using "screw" metaphorically).

  • He must have a screw loose to paint his house purple. (He is acting oddly.)

• "to turn the screw": to apply pressure or increase demands (idiomatic, not literal).

  • The boss turned the screw by setting tighter deadlines. (He increased the pressure on workers.)