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Glite Dictionary
to release the handbrake

to release the handbrake

2.6
Allow a parked car to move by letting the handbrake go
  • phrasal verb
  • UK
translation icon : soltar el freno de mano
  • Before driving, always remember to release the handbrake to allow the car to move freely.

Examples

  • Then he inserted the key into the ignition, released the handbrake, and felt for the gears.

    Fiction book (1996)

  • After ensuring the gear was in neutral, she released the handbrake and slowly rolled forward.

  • Guy tried to release the handbrake, but something apparently was in his way.

    Fiction book (1997)

  • Slowly, he released the handbrake.

    Fiction book (2002)

  • He checked his mirrors, then released the handbrake and started to drive down the street.

Synonyms

to unclick
vsto release the handbrake
6.6

To release a catch or latch, for example a seatbelt

frees a vehicle brake allowing the vehicle to move

Surface Forms

release infinitive
released past
released past participle
releasing present participle
releases third person singular

Morphology

release + the + handbrake

The meaning 'to disengage the handbrake' is directly and predictably composed from 'release' (to set free/disengage) plus 'handbrake' (the parking/hand-operated brake); the article 'the' is functionally irrelevant. This straightforward verb + noun composition is cross-linguistically common and would be immediately understandable to a B1 learner who knows the constituent words.

Etymology

The verb release the handbrake means literally to release the car's handbrake, so the wheels can turn instead of staying held. So, it means 'to let the car move by taking the handbrake off'.