thumb screw
Finger-turned bolt head
A thumbscrew is a screw with a flat-sided or knurled head designed to be turned by thumb and finger without tools.
The term also refers to an old instrument of torture that crushed the thumb between two bars tightened by screws.
Figuratively, to put the thumbscrews on someone is to pressure or coerce them.
- tortureDeliberate infliction of suffering
- torture deviceObject causing deliberate pain
- clampDevice for holding tight
- tighteningMaking less loose
- medievalOf the Middle Ages
dark ages · Spanish Inquisition · vise · fastener · knurled · bolt · nut · wing nut · pressure · squeeze · crushing · interrogation · pain · inquisition · dungeon · adjustment · metal · grip
thumb screwhex bolt
Six-sided headed fastener
Allen screw · weld · machine screw · rivet · carriage bolt
thumb screwhealing touch
Restorative physical contact
massage · balm · salve · anesthesia · pain relief
thumb, screw, thumbs, screws, thumbed, thumbing, screwed, screwing, screwdriver