wring out
Definition
- Verb:
- To extract liquid from something by twisting, squeezing, or pressing it forcefully.
Usage
This verb is transitive and requires a direct object (the item from which liquid is being extracted). It describes a physical action typically performed on cloth, fabric, or a soft, absorbent material to remove excess water or another liquid. The action involves applying pressure, often by twisting the object with both hands.
Examples
- Verb:
- After washing the sweater, she carefully wrung it out before laying it flat to dry.
- Please wring out this sponge; it's dripping all over the floor.
- He wrung out his wet socks over the sink.
Advanced Usage
- Figurative Use: While the core meaning is physical, it can be used metaphorically to describe extracting information, money, or concessions from someone with great effort or pressure.
- The interrogator tried to wring a confession out of the suspect.
- The new tax will wring out every last penny from the middle class.
Variants and Related Words
- Wring (verb): The base form, meaning to twist and squeeze. "Wring out" specifies the purpose (to extract liquid).
- Wringer (noun): A device, often with rollers, used for wringing water out of wet clothes.
Synonyms
- Squeeze out: To force liquid out by pressing.
- Press out: To extract by applying pressure.
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Wring out: This is itself a phrasal verb. The particle "out" is essential to convey the meaning of extraction or removal.
- Remember to wring out the mop thoroughly. (Correct)
- Remember to wring the mop thoroughly. (Less specific; could just mean to twist it)
Related Idioms
- Put through the wringer: To subject someone to a very difficult or stressful experience. This idiom derives from the old-fashioned laundry device called a wringer.
- The job interview really put me through the wringer with eight hours of tests.
Verb
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extract (liquid) by squeezing or pressing
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wring out the washcloth
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