uncork

IPA/ˌʌnˈkɔːk/
KK[ənkˈɔrk]IPA/ˌʌnˈkɔːrk/

uncork — verb

  • uncorkpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • uncorkshe / she / it
  • uncorkedpast simple
  • uncorking-ing form

1. to remove the small, round plug of light material that seals the top of a bottle

1.動詞及物B1
釋義

to remove the small, round plug of light material that seals the top of a bottle, allowing the contents to be poured out.

例句

Haruki carefully uncorked the bottle of red wine before serving dinner.

uncork + bottle of wine — typical object

At the restaurant, the waiter uncorked a chilled bottle of sparkling water for the table.

passive-agent framing: waiter uncorked

同義詞
  • open

    the general word for making any container accessible; uncork is specific to cork-sealed bottles

  • pop

    informal, often used for champagne or sparkling wine where the cork makes a popping sound

反義詞
  • cork

    to close a bottle by putting a cork into it

  • seal

    to close something tightly so that air or liquid cannot get in or out

文法句型

uncork + noun phrase (the bottle or container)

用法筆記

The object of this verb is the bottle or container, not the cork itself. You uncork a bottle, not a cork.

常見錯誤

❌She uncorked the cork from the bottle.
✅She uncorked the bottle.
💡You uncork the whole bottle, not the cork itself.
❌He uncorked a can of soda.
✅He uncorked a bottle of wine.
💡'Uncork' is only used for bottles sealed with a cork, not cans or other containers.

2. to allow a strong emotion or hidden feeling to be expressed freely — for example

2.動詞及物C1
釋義

to allow a strong emotion or hidden feeling to be expressed freely — for example, uncorking years of frustration by yelling, or uncorking one's excitement during a sports match.

例句

Jack finally uncorked his anger after months of unfair treatment at work.

uncork + anger — emotion as object

When the final whistle blew, Sofia uncorked her excitement with a joyful scream.

同義詞
  • release

    more general and neutral; uncork adds the idea of something that has been sealed or held back

  • unleash

    more forceful and intense; suggests a powerful, often uncontrolled release

  • vent

    focuses on giving an outlet to negative emotions in particular

反義詞
  • bottle up

    to hide or keep emotions inside, not allowing them to be expressed

  • suppress

    to stop yourself from showing or feeling an emotion

文法句型

uncork + noun phrase (emotion or feeling)

用法筆記

Object is typically an emotion (anger, frustration, excitement) or a feeling that has been held back. Contrast with sense 1, where the object is a physical container.

常見錯誤

❌The manager uncorked a new policy last week.
✅The manager uncorked his frustration during the meeting.
💡The figurative sense is used for emotions and feelings, not for ideas or official announcements.