ratchets
One-way turning mechanisms
Ratchets is the plural of ratchet, a mechanical device with angled teeth that allows movement in only one direction—a gear turns forward but a pawl prevents it from slipping back.
The verb ratchet means to move by such increments: Tensions ratcheted up throughout the week.
Things that ratchet usually increase gradually and irreversibly.
As slang, ratchet is an adjective meaning trashy or ghetto, probably from a mispronunciation of "wretched."
Hinged mechanical stopper
- gearToothed wheel or belongings
- teethEnamel-covered chewing structures
- clickBrief sharp noise
- sprocketToothed wheel for chains
socket · notch · cam · lever · torque · cog · detent · mechanism
pawl
Hinged mechanical stopper
sprocket · socket · notch · cam · lever · torque · cog · detent · mechanism · latch
escalate
Increase in severity
notch · pressure · tension · prices · stakes · spiral · climb · raise · amplify · progression
struggle
Labored effort against resistance
effort · scraping · survive · hardship · poverty · makeshift · improvise · work · persevere · endure
- machineryengine, machinery, industrial machinery, motors, engines
- hand toolsscrewdriver, hammer, pliers, saw, chisel
- mechanismsgear, gearbox, gear train, cog, pulleys
- stunt workstunt coordinator, stunt double, stunt performers, stunt coordination, stunts
- fastenersbolt, screw, nail, nut, clip
- drive componentsgears, shafts, bearings, pulleys, belts
ratchetsreleases
Lets go or publishes
unwinds · de-escalates · loosens · relaxes · reverses
ratchetsreverses
Switches to opposite direction
oscillates · fluctuates · cycles · ebbs and flows · seesaws
- ratchet upIncrease incrementally, irreversibly
- ratchet strapsToothed webbing for securing cargo
- ratchet wrenchTool with clicking mechanism
- Ratchet and ClankAction platformer franchise protagonists
- ratchet wrenchesOne-direction bolt turners