bulldog wrench
- noun
- /ˈbʊlˌdɔg rɛntʃ/
- US
:
llave bulldog
- The mechanic reached for a bulldog wrench to loosen the stubborn pipe fitting.
Examples
-
She bought a new set that included a bulldog wrench for plumbing tasks.
-
A bulldog wrench provides the extra grip needed on rusted bolts.
-
He used a bulldog wrench to tighten the pipe.
-
The bulldog wrench is perfect for rounded fasteners.
-
The mechanic reached for a bulldog wrench to loosen the stubborn pipe fitting.
-
A bulldog wrench provides the extra grip needed on rusted bolts.
-
She bought a new set that included a bulldog wrench for plumbing tasks.
Synonyms
2
3.0
A tool with one fixed and one movable jaw that grips and turns bolts
A tool with two jaws that have teeth and that grips and turns pipes
A tool with a V-shaped, toothed jaw for gripping and turning pipes or bolts
A wrench with a handle shaped like a crank used to turn pipes or round metal parts
How Firm
- Specialized
1
4.6
- Specialized
1
3.7
- US
- US
1
3.0
- Specialized
Surface Forms
Morphology
The noun is partly compositional: a learner who knows 'wrench' and the stereotypical qualities of a 'bulldog' (strong, jaw-like grip) can plausibly infer it names a wrench with a very firm, non-slip grip. However, the animal metaphor and the specific technical features or typical uses (e.g. pipe/rounded fasteners) are not fully predictable without some exposure, so it is not completely transparent.
Etymology
The noun bulldog wrench comes from the tool's heavy jaws that bite down on pipes like a stubborn bulldog. Because this wrench holds parts tightly, the name shows it is made to give a strong, non-slip 'grip' for turning pipes and rounded bolts.