lever
Bar that pivots
A lever is a rigid bar that pivots on a fixed point to move or lift something with less effort—one of the simplest machines.
The concept extends to any handle that operates a mechanism: Pull the lever to release the brake.
Figuratively, a lever is anything that provides advantage or influence: They used public opinion as a lever to force change.
To lever something is to move it with such force: She levered the lid off the crate.
Metal prying lever
- prybarLever for forcing things
- fulcrumLever's balance point
- pivotPoint of rotation
- jackDevice for lifting vehicles
jimmy · handspike · pinch bar · breaker bar · tire iron · claw hammer · cat's paw · marlinspike
Point of rotation
- balance pointCenter of mass location
- hingeMovable connecting joint
- axisRotation reference line
- swivelRotating connection point
support · base · center · rotation · equilibrium · moment · angular · statics
Two-position switch
- flipQuick turning motion
- actuatorDevice producing controlled motion
- controlAuthority to direct
- triggerWhat initiates action
activate · engage · disengage · release · latch · catch · handle · grip
Informal power or punch
bargaining chip · negotiation · advantage · edge · power play · coercion · persuasion · manipulation
crowbar
Metal prying lever
jack · jimmy · handspike · pinch bar · breaker bar · tire iron · claw hammer · cat's paw · marlinspike · tongs
pivot
Point of rotation
- balance pointCenter of mass location
- hingeMovable connecting joint
- axisRotation reference line
swivel · support · base · center · rotation · equilibrium · moment · angular · statics · dynamics
toggle
Two-position switch
trigger · activate · engage · disengage · release · latch · catch · handle · grip · pull
clout
Informal power or punch
pressure · bargaining chip · negotiation · advantage · edge · power play · coercion · persuasion · manipulation · lobbying
multiply
Increase in number
increase · escalate · intensify · heighten · strengthen · extend · augment · compound · maximize · optimize
- controlsbutton, switch, dial, knob, slider
- mechanical partsgears, pulleys, bearings, springs, pistons
- simple machinespulley, wheel and axle, inclined plane, screw, wedge
- weighingscales, scale, weight, mass, grams
- analog devicesanalog clock, mechanical clock, vinyl, pocket watch, stopwatch
- attachmentsattachment, attachments, add-on, add-ons, clip
- lever actionGun mechanism using pivoting handle
- gear leverTransmission ratio selector
- pull a leverActuate a mechanical control
- lever mechanismPivoting bar amplifying force
- high leverage
- Eugene Levy
elevate, relevant, leverage, levy, alleviate, levers, levity, levitate, leveraged