stripped gears
Teeth worn smooth
Stripped gears have had their teeth worn down or broken off, preventing them from meshing properly with other gears.
The damage typically comes from excessive force, poor lubrication, or age.
Figuratively, someone whose gears are stripped has lost the ability to function or think clearly: After three all-nighters, my gears were completely stripped.
- wornDamaged by use
- worn outDepleted through overuse
- teethEnamel-covered chewing structures
- grindingMolar action sometimes
- grind to a haltGradually cease all motion
broken · chewed up · slipping · skip a beat · transmission · mechanical · mechanical failure · cogs · mesh · torque · clutch · crunch · metal · shavings · repair · drivetrain · damaged · spindle
- car troubleflat tire, dead battery, stalled car, flooded engine, seized engine
- malfunctionsbroken, defective, glitch, faulty, error