to center punch
- phrasal verb
- /ˈsɛntər pʌnʧ/
- Specialized
:
hacer una marca
- To ensure the drill goes exactly where I want it to, I will center punch the surface first.
Examples
-
Before drilling the wood, I always center punch the spot to create a guide.
-
He carefully center punched the metal sheet to make the drilling process easier.
-
Then I mark the position of these small brass hinges that I have and I center punch these all so that over to the drill press I can drill all these out.
Synonyms
136
1.8
To make a hole in paper or leather with a small tool
27
2.2
To make a hollow in a surface by hitting or pressing it
5
4.1
To make a small rounded dip on a surface
1
3.4
To make a small dent in a surface by hitting or pressing it
How Deep
1
7.2
- Specialized
33
5.2
- Specialized
- Specialized
3
8.5
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'to make a small indentation or hole in the middle as a guide for drilling' follows directly from combining 'center' (middle) with 'punch' (to make a hole/indentation). This is a simple location+action composition common across languages and contexts—although somewhat technical, a B1 learner who knows both constituents should be able to infer the meaning.
Etymology
The verb center punch comes from using that tool: to center punch is to hit the surface with the pointed tool and make a small dent that keeps the drill from slipping. So to center punch means 'to make a small guide dent' to show exactly where to drill.