lever
lever — noun
1. a long, stiff bar that rests on a fixed support point and is used to lift or mov
a long, stiff bar that rests on a fixed support point and is used to lift or move heavy objects, or a handle that operates a machine by being pushed or pulled.
The mechanic pulled the lever to raise the car off the ground.
pull a lever to operate machinery
Daichi pushed the lever forward, and the conveyor belt began to move.
A simple lever can lift a rock that is too heavy for your bare hands.
The old iron lever on the water gate had rusted after years of rain.
Before starting the machine, check that all the levers are in the neutral position.
用法筆記
Frequently appears with the verbs 'push', 'pull', 'move', and 'operate'. The object moved is typically heavy, stuck, or part of a machine.
常見錯誤
2. something that you use to influence or pressure someone into doing what you want
something that you use to influence or pressure someone into doing what you want, often in a way that is not entirely fair.
The union used the threat of a strike as a lever to demand better wages.
use something as a lever to demand
Quan felt his boss used the promotion as a lever to demand longer hours.
The small company had no lever to force the larger firm to change its pricing.
Some parents use guilt as a lever to control their adult children's life choices.
Diya needed a stronger lever to persuade the committee to reconsider her application.
- leverage
the more common noun form for this figurative sense; 'lever' is rarer and more concrete in tone
- bargaining chip
specifically in negotiations; more informal than 'lever'
- tool
more neutral and general; lacks the connotation of unfair pressure
用法筆記
Subject is often a person or group with some form of advantage. The 'lever' itself is typically a threat, piece of information, or resource that creates pressure. Negative tone is common but not required.
常見錯誤
lever — verb
1. to move, lift, or force something open by using a long bar or similar tool, push
to move, lift, or force something open by using a long bar or similar tool, pushing or pulling against a fixed point.
Élise levered the heavy stone slab aside with an iron bar.
levered + object + adverb (aside)
Ritu carefully levered the lid off the wooden crate with a screwdriver.
The rescue workers levered the fallen beam off the trapped driver.
Adisa levered the rusty gate open by pushing a metal rod through the gap.
The crew levered the piano up onto the stage using a long wooden plank.
文法句型
lever + object + adverb/preposition
用法筆記
Typically followed by an adverb or prepositional phrase indicating direction or result (aside, open, up, off, out of). The tool used is often mentioned in a 'with' phrase.
常見錯誤
2. to move someone or something by applying a lot of physical strength, typically i
to move someone or something by applying a lot of physical strength, typically into or out of a tight or awkward spot, sometimes with a tool and sometimes just with your body.
The nurses levered the heavy patient into a sitting position on the bed.
lever + object + into a position
Mateo levered himself out of the narrow space between the rocks.
Selim levered the heavy suitcase onto the overhead rack in the train.
The team levered the injured climber onto the stretcher with great care.
文法句型
lever + reflexive pronoun + preposition
lever + object + into/to
用法筆記
Often used with reflexive pronouns (levered himself/herself) or in medical and rescue contexts. The key difference from verb sense 1 is that the focus is on the effort involved rather than the specific tool used.
常見錯誤
3. to alter circumstances in a way that benefits you, often by dishonest or unfair
to alter circumstances in a way that benefits you, often by dishonest or unfair means.
The politician levered himself into a powerful position by making secret deals.
lever + reflexive + into [position] (figurative)
Joon levered the hiring rules to get her friend a job without an interview.
Some managers use office gossip as a way to lever themselves ahead of their colleagues.
Christopher tried to lever the board's decision by reminding them of his past donations.
- manipulate
more common and covers a wider range of dishonest influence
- exploit
focuses on taking advantage of a situation or person
- manoeuvre
can be neutral or negative; implies strategic positioning
文法句型
lever + reflexive pronoun + into [position]
lever + object
用法筆記
Strongly negative connotation. Typically used in political, corporate, or competitive contexts. Distinguish from noun sense 2: the verb focuses on the action of changing a situation, while the noun focuses on the thing used to apply pressure.