(~s, ~ing, ~ed)
1.
A ~ is a handle or bar that is attached to a piece of machinery and which you push or pull in order to operate the machinery.
Push the tiny ~ on the lock...
The taps have a ~ to control the mix of hot and cold water.
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see also gear ~
2.
A ~ is a long bar, one end of which is placed under a heavy object so that when you press down on the other end you can move the object.
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3.
If you ~ something in a particular direction, you move it there, especially by using a lot of effort.
Neighbours eventually ~ed open the door with a crowbar...
Insert the fork about 6in. from the root and simultaneously ~ it backwards...
VERB: V n with adj, V n adv/prep
4.
A ~ is an idea or action that you can use to make people do what you want them to do, rather than what they want to do.
Radical, militant factions want to continue using the hostages as a ~ to gain concessions from the west.
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