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Glite Dictionary
to fix a car

to fix a car

1 1.7
To make a car work properly again
  • phrasal verb
  • /fɪks ə kɑr/
translation icon : reparar un coche
  • When the engine started making strange noises, I knew I had to fix the car before driving it again.

So it can be as simple as making a hamburger or fixing a car.

Examples

  • A video that a mechanic can watch while fixing a car is valuable.

    Blog text (29)

  • And I can't fix a car like this, 'cause I don't have the tools to do it, man.

    Bottle Rocket (1996)

  • Do you know how to fix a car?

    Camp Blood 8: Revelations (2020)

  • So does anyone know how to fix a car?

    Camp Blood 8: Revelations (2020)

  • You've never fixed a car before.

    Post Grad (2009)

  • And even if I had the tools, I can't promise you I'd know how to fix a car like that.

    Bottle Rocket (1996)

  • By the way, if you can fix a car or do carpentry, plumbing, or electrical work, you can save thousands of dollars.

    Blog text (32)

  • These same people wouldn't tell a car mechanic how to fix a car (well, maybe they would).

    Blog text (17)

  • A skilled mechanic can quickly fix a car that has broken down on the road.

  • If you want to save money, learning how to fix a car yourself can be very helpful.

Synonyms

to mend
vsto fix a car
41 1.2

Fix something that is broken or torn

returns a vehicle to working order after a failure
to service
vsto fix a car
31 3.2

To check and repair a machine or vehicle so it works well

restores working condition after a malfunction or breakdown
to troubleshoot
vsto fix a car
  • Specialized
4 4.9

Find and fix problems with machines or systems

restores operation without focusing on detailed diagnosis
to doctor
vsto fix a car
1 4.8

To fix something that is torn or broken

focuses on making a vehicle function fully again after fault

Antonyms

to break
∞ 1.0

To change a large bill into smaller bills

How Repaired

to rebuild
485 2.8
overhaul
73 5.1
to fix a car
1 1.7
to patch up
20 3.4
to tinker
47 4.5

Surface Forms

fix a car infinitive
fixed a car past
fixed a car past participle
fixing a car present participle
fixes a car third person singular

Morphology

fix + a + car

The meaning 'to repair a car' is directly and transparently composed from 'fix' (to repair) + 'car' (motor vehicle), with 'a' functioning only as a determiner. This is a basic verb + object construction common across languages and standard English syntax, so a B1 learner who knows the constituent words will readily infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

Fix a car paints a simple picture: a mechanic tightens bolts and replaces broken parts so the car runs again. That's why fix here means 'to repair a car'.