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handy gadget

handy gadget

3.0
A small tool that is useful and easy to carry
  • noun
  • /ˈhændi ˈɡædʒɪt/
translation icon : dispositivo útil
  • The new handy gadget helps me organize my tools efficiently.

Examples

  • I always keep a handy gadget in my bag for any quick repairs.

  • I think I'd much prefer to pick up one of these handy gadgets...

    Blog text (5)
  • This handy gadget makes it easy to peel vegetables quickly.

Synonyms

gadget
vshandy gadget
142 2.9

A small useful tool or machine for a special job

is more about being convenient and generally useful rather than newness
widget
vshandy gadget
59 5.1

A small useful thing or tool for a particular job

is about being genuinely useful and convenient rather than a placeholder term
gizmo
vshandy gadget
  • Informal
56 7.1

A small device or tool whose name you do not know

is about usefulness and convenience rather than casual naming or informality
doodad
vshandy gadget
  • Informal
7 8.7

A small thing or device whose name you do not know

is focused on usefulness and convenience rather than being unnamed
tech gadget
vshandy gadget
3 3.7

A small new electronic device like a smartwatch or earbuds that makes life easier

is focused on usefulness and everyday convenience rather than technical novelty
gismo
vshandy gadget
  • UK
8.5

A small device you do not know the name of

is used for useful and convenient devices rather than vague naming
util
vshandy gadget
  • Jargon
8.2

A small computer program that does one simple task

is about small useful physical devices rather than software programs

Antonyms

550 1.0

Not able to do the job it is made for

How Useful

essential
50 2.4
tool
1.1
handy gadget
3.0
novelty
27 3.9

Surface Forms

handy gadget singular
handy gadgets plural

Morphology

handy + gadget

The meaning 'a small device that is useful' is directly and compositionally derived from 'handy' (useful/convenient) modifying 'gadget' (small device). This adjective + noun pattern is transparent and cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows both words will readily infer the MWE meaning.

Etymology

Handy gadget comes from the simple image of a small tool you can hold in your hand to make a job easier. The word handy relates to the 'hand' and being useful, and gadget means a small device, so the phrase means 'a small device that is useful and easy to use'.