idle pulley
- noun
- Specialized
:
polea loca
- The mechanic replaced the worn idle pulley to fix the squeaking noise in the engine.
Examples
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Regular inspection of the idle pulley ensures the drive belt runs smoothly and stays at proper tension.
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A misaligned idle pulley can cause the belt to slip off during operation.
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The idle pulley helps maintain tension in the belt.
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We need to replace the idle pulleys in the conveyor system.
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The technician adjusted the idle pulley to ensure proper tension in the conveyor belt.
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A malfunctioning idle pulley can lead to inefficient operation of the machinery.
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To avoid wear and tear, inspect the idle pulley regularly for any signs of damage.
Synonyms
A small wheel on a shaft that presses against a belt to keep it tight
A wheel that guides a belt and keeps it tight without driving it
A wheel that presses on a belt to guide and keep it tight without powering the belt
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase is largely compositional: 'idle' (not active) + 'pulley' (a wheel device) will lead a B1 learner to infer a pulley that is not driven or is passive. However, the precise mechanical function — being mounted to guide or tension a belt by pressing against it — is a technical extension not fully predictable from the basic word meanings, so it is only partially transparent.
Etymology
Idle pulley comes from a simple image: a small wheel, the pulley, that idles — the word idle means 'not active'. The wheel turns without giving power and only presses on the belt to guide it and keep it tight, so the name means a pulley that helps the belt run smoothly.
