pincers
B2Technical, Military, Everyday
Definition
Meaning
A tool with two crossed and curved arms, used for gripping and pulling things, or the similar claw of a crab, lobster, etc.
Often used metaphorically to describe a situation where two forces or groups close in from opposite sides, exerting pressure or creating a trap.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a plural noun (like 'scissors' or 'tongs'), typically used with a plural verb. Refers either to the tool or to the claws of a crustacean or insect.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major difference in meaning. 'Pliers' is more common in general AmE for the tool; 'pincers' is more specifically for heavy-duty gripping (e.g., nail removal).
Connotations
In both varieties, the military 'pincer movement' is a strong, established metaphor. The tool sense has a slightly more manual/industrial connotation.
Frequency
More frequent in BrE for the general tool. In AmE, 'pliers' or 'nippers' might be used in equivalent contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
N (pl.) + V (pl.) (e.g., The pincers are on the bench)pair of + N (pl.)N (pl.) + of + NP (e.g., the pincers of the lobster)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “pincer movement”
- “caught in a pincer grip”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Possibly used metaphorically in strategy discussions: 'a pincer movement by competitors'.
Academic
Common in biology/zoology (anatomy of arthropods), history (military tactics), and engineering/mechanics (tools).
Everyday
Most common when discussing DIY, cooking shellfish, or describing a crab.
Technical
Specific tool in surgery, electronics (tweezers), metalworking, and farriery.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Use the pincers to take the nail out.
- The crab has two big pincers.
- He bought a new pair of pincers for his toolbox.
- Be careful of the lobster's pincers when you pick it up.
- The surgeon used delicate pincers to handle the tiny vessel.
- The army executed a classic pincer movement, surrounding the enemy from both flanks.
- The economic policy was attacked in a pincer action by both left-wing and right-wing critics.
- The mantis shrimp's raptorial pincers can strike with the force of a bullet.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of PINching with forCERS = PIN + CERS. It's a tool that 'forces' a pinch.
Conceptual Metaphor
OPPOSING FORCES ARE PINCHING TOOLS (e.g., 'the pincer movement of the two armies'), CONSTRICTION IS CONTROL.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'щипцы' (which is broader: can be tongs, tweezers). 'Pincers' implies stronger, crossed jaws. For precision tools, 'tweezers' is better.
- Do not translate crab's 'pincers' as 'клешни' if context is tools; for tools, use 'клещи'.
- Remember it's plural in form and verb agreement.
Common Mistakes
- Using a singular verb (e.g., 'The pincers is...' is incorrect).
- Confusing with 'tweezers' (small, precise) or 'pliers' (pivoted, for bending).
- Misspelling as 'pinchers'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'pincers' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a plural noun (like 'scissors') and takes a plural verb: 'The pincers are on the table.' You say 'a pair of pincers' for one tool.
Pincers typically have curved, crossed jaws for gripping and pulling (e.g., pulling nails). Pliers have parallel, flat or serrated jaws, pivoted closer to the middle, and are often used for bending, twisting, or holding objects.
Rarely. The singular 'pincer' is almost exclusively used in the compound 'pincer movement' or in biology ('a crab's pincer'). For the tool, the singular form is not standard.
Yes, it's a well-established metaphor in politics, business, and military analysis, describing a situation where pressure is applied from two opposing sides simultaneously.