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B1 Noun, Verb #16 सबसे आम 16 मिनट पढ़ने का समय

screw

शीर्ष 16

At the A1 level, you should know 'screw' as a simple noun. It is a small metal object that you use to hold things together, like when you build a chair or a table. You use a tool called a 'screwdriver' to turn it. You might see this word in a shop that sells tools or in a book about building things. It is a very basic word for a common object. You don't need to worry about the complicated meanings yet. Just remember: a screw is metal, it has a pointy end, and you turn it to make things stay in place. For example, 'I need a screw for this door.' It is similar to a nail, but you turn it instead of hitting it with a hammer. You might also hear 'screw on' for a bottle cap. 'Screw the cap on the bottle' means to close it by turning it. This is a very useful verb for daily life. When you go to a store, you can ask, 'Where are the screws?' and the shopkeeper will show you the aisle with tools. It is a concrete, physical word at this level.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'screw' as a verb more often. You 'screw' things together or 'screw' a lid onto a jar. You also learn the opposite word, 'unscrew,' which means to take a screw out or open a lid. You might use it when talking about simple repairs around the house. 'Can you help me unscrew this lightbulb?' is a typical A2 sentence. You are also introduced to the very common phrasal verb 'screw up,' but in a very simple way. At this level, it just means to make a mistake. 'I screwed up the homework' means 'I made many mistakes on my homework.' It is a bit more natural than saying 'I made a mistake.' You might also hear people say 'screw it' when they are frustrated and want to stop doing something, though this is a bit informal. You should focus on the physical action of turning something to tighten it and the basic idea of making a mistake. You will see this word in basic instruction manuals for toys or simple furniture. It is a practical word for describing actions with your hands.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable with the many idiomatic uses of 'screw.' You know that 'screw up' is a very common way to talk about failures or bungled situations in daily life. You understand that 'I'm screwed' means 'I am in a lot of trouble.' You can use the word to describe more complex actions, like 'screwing a deal' (meaning to finalize it, though this is less common) or 'screwing someone over' (meaning to treat them unfairly). You are also learning to distinguish between the noun and the verb in more varied contexts. For example, you might talk about 'tightening the screws' on a project to meet a deadline. This level is about moving from the literal tool to the metaphorical pressure. You also start to see 'screw' in compound words like 'corkscrew' or 'screwdriver.' You should be able to use 'screw' in a conversation about a mistake you made at work or a problem with your car. It is a versatile word that helps you sound more like a native speaker because you are using common phrasal verbs. You also understand the difference between a screw and a bolt, which is important for technical discussions.

At the B2 level, you use 'screw' with more nuance and precision. You understand the social 'weight' of the word and know when it is too informal to use. You can use phrases like 'to have a screw loose' to describe someone's eccentric behavior or 'to screw one's courage to the sticking-place' to describe gathering bravery. You are familiar with the passive use of the word, such as 'getting screwed' in a business transaction. You also understand technical terms like 'screw thread,' 'screw pitch,' and 'Archimedes screw.' At this level, you can use the word in more abstract ways, such as 'screwing down' prices or 'screwing up' your face in a particular expression. You understand that 'screw' can be a strong word and you use it intentionally to convey frustration or intensity. You might read it in a novel where a character is 'screwing up their eyes' to see better in the sun. Your vocabulary is rich enough to choose between 'screw up,' 'bungle,' and 'botch' depending on the situation. You are also aware of the word's history and its role in mechanical engineering.

At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the word's etymology and its varied applications across different registers. You can use 'screw' in highly technical engineering contexts or in sophisticated literary metaphors. You understand the subtle difference between 'screwing around' and 'messing about.' You are aware of the word's use in historical slang, such as 'screw' meaning a prison guard or a miser. You can analyze the use of the word in political commentary, where 'tightening the screws' might refer to economic sanctions or diplomatic pressure. You use the word fluently in phrasal verbs without thinking about the word order. You might use 'screw' to describe a specific type of motion in physics or fluid dynamics. Your use of the word is precise; you wouldn't just say 'he screwed up,' you might say 'he systematically screwed up the entire organizational structure.' You also recognize the word in idioms that are less common, like 'to put the screws on someone.' You are sensitive to the vulgarity of the word in certain contexts and can navigate those social situations perfectly. You see the word as a versatile tool for both technical description and emotional expression.

At the C2 level, you possess a masterly command of 'screw' and all its derivatives. You can appreciate the word's role in the development of Western technology, from the Roman screw press to modern precision machining. You use the word with total flexibility, employing it in puns, complex metaphors, and highly specialized professional jargon. You might discuss the 'screw-worm' in a biological context or the 'screw-propeller' in naval engineering. You understand the full range of its idiomatic power, from the humorous to the derogatory. You can distinguish between the British and American nuances of the word's slang uses. In literature, you might analyze how an author uses the imagery of 'screwing' to represent psychological tension or mechanical coldness. You can use the word in a way that is either incredibly blunt or subtly suggestive, depending on your rhetorical goals. You are comfortable with the word in every possible context, from a DIY workshop to a high-level diplomatic summit. The word is no longer just a vocabulary item; it is a flexible instrument in your linguistic repertoire that you can use to convey exact shades of meaning, tone, and intent.

इसका अभ्यास करें उदाहरण नोट्स और सुझाव

screw 30 सेकंड में

A screw is a metal fastener with a spiral thread used to join materials by rotating it into place with a tool like a screwdriver.
As a verb, 'to screw' means to fasten or tighten something by turning, but it also has many common informal and slang meanings.
The phrasal verb 'screw up' is widely used to mean making a mistake, while 'screwed' often describes being in a very difficult situation.
Mastering 'screw' involves understanding its literal mechanical use, its common phrasal verbs, and its metaphorical use for pressure or failure.

The word screw is a multifaceted term in the English language, functioning primarily as both a noun and a verb. In its most literal, physical sense, a screw is a fundamental mechanical device—one of the six simple machines defined by Renaissance scientists. It consists of a solid cylinder with a helical ridge, known as a thread, wrapped around it. This design allows it to convert rotational motion into linear motion, making it an incredibly effective fastener for joining materials like wood, metal, or plastic. When you turn a screw using a screwdriver or a drill, the threads bite into the material, pulling the screw inward and creating a strong, semi-permanent bond between two objects. This physical utility is ubiquitous in construction, furniture assembly, and engineering, making the word essential for anyone discussing DIY projects or industrial work.

Mechanical Definition: A metal fastener characterized by a helical thread, designed to be rotated into a surface to secure or join materials together.

Beyond the hardware store, the word 'screw' takes on a variety of metaphorical and informal meanings that are deeply embedded in daily conversation. As a verb, to 'screw' something can mean to fasten it, but in informal contexts, it frequently means to make a significant mistake or to bungle a situation. This is most commonly seen in the phrasal verb screw up. For instance, if a student forgets to study for an important exam, they might say they 'screwed up' the test. This usage is common across all English-speaking cultures and is considered informal but generally acceptable in casual social settings. However, it is important to note that 'screw' can also be used as a slang term for cheating someone or treating them unfairly, as in the phrase 'to screw someone out of their money.'

He had to screw the hinges back onto the door frame after they came loose during the move.

In a more abstract sense, the word is used in the idiom 'to tighten the screws,' which means to increase pressure on someone to force them to do something or to make a situation more difficult for them. This evokes the image of a mechanical vice or a torture device from history, where turning a screw would increase the physical pressure applied. In modern business or politics, a negotiator might 'tighten the screws' on an opponent by introducing stricter terms or deadlines. This versatility—from the literal tool in a toolbox to the complex dynamics of social and professional pressure—makes 'screw' a high-utility word for learners to master. It bridges the gap between technical vocabulary and idiomatic fluency, allowing speakers to describe both a physical repair and a social blunder with the same root word.

Informal Usage: To make a serious error or to fail at a task, often used as 'screw up'. It can also mean to deceive or exploit someone.

If you screw up the recipe, the cake will not rise properly in the oven.

Finally, it is worth mentioning that 'screw' has a vulgar connotation in certain contexts, where it is used as a slang term for sexual intercourse or as a mild expletive (e.g., 'Screw you!'). While learners should be aware of these meanings to avoid accidental offense, the primary focus for a B1 level student should remain on the mechanical and common idiomatic uses. Understanding the boundary between the technical 'screw' and the informal 'screw up' is key to navigating everyday English conversations without confusion. Whether you are assembling a bookshelf or apologizing for a mistake at work, the word 'screw' provides a concise way to express the action of tightening, fixing, or failing.

Idiomatic Pressure: The phrase 'to have a screw loose' suggests that someone is acting in a strange, eccentric, or slightly crazy manner, as if their internal machinery is malfunctioning.

The creditors began to screw down on the small business, demanding immediate repayment of the loan.

Using the word screw correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical flexibility and its various phrasal forms. As a noun, it is a countable object. You can have one screw, two screws, or a whole box of screws. It typically requires an article or a possessive pronoun. For example, 'I lost the screw' or 'Pass me that screw.' When used in a sentence about construction, it is often paired with the tool used to manipulate it: 'You will need a Phillips-head screwdriver to turn this screw.' This literal usage is straightforward and follows standard noun patterns in English.

Noun Usage: The carpenter reached for a long screw to secure the heavy wooden beam to the wall.

As a verb, 'screw' is transitive, meaning it usually takes a direct object. You screw something into something else. For instance, 'He screwed the lid onto the jar.' The direction of the action is often specified with prepositions like 'on,' 'off,' 'in,' or 'into.' If you are removing a screw, you 'unscrew' it, which is the standard antonym. However, you can also say 'screw off the cap' in informal English. In technical manuals, you will often see instructions like 'Screw the bolt clockwise to tighten,' which highlights the importance of the direction of rotation in the word's mechanical application.

Please screw the lightbulb in carefully so you do not break the glass.

The most common phrasal verb associated with this word is screw up. This is an inseparable phrasal verb when it means 'to make a mistake,' but it can be separable when referring to physical objects. For example, 'I screwed up the project' (I made a mistake) vs. 'I screwed the paper up' (I crumpled the paper into a ball). Learners should be careful with this distinction. When used to mean 'to bungle,' it is a very common way to apologize or admit fault in a casual environment. 'I'm sorry, I really screwed up this time' is a natural way to express regret to a friend or a close colleague.

Another important phrasal verb is screw around, which means to waste time or behave in a silly way. 'Stop screwing around and get back to work!' is a common command in schools or workplaces. This usage is informal and can be slightly confrontational, so it should be used with caution. Similarly, 'screw over' is used when someone is treated unfairly, particularly in a business or financial context. 'The company screwed over its employees by cutting their benefits without notice.' This conveys a strong sense of injustice and is more emotionally charged than simply saying 'treated unfairly.'

Phrasal Verbs: 1. Screw up (to fail); 2. Screw around (to waste time); 3. Screw over (to cheat); 4. Screw on/off (to fasten/unfasten).

Don't screw around with the electrical wires; it is extremely dangerous.

In formal writing, it is better to avoid the informal phrasal verbs like 'screw up' and instead use 'make a mistake,' 'err,' or 'bungle.' However, the literal use of 'screw' as a noun or verb is perfectly acceptable in any register, including technical reports or academic descriptions of machinery. For example, 'The structural integrity of the bridge depends on the high-tensile screws used in the joints' is a formal, professional sentence. Understanding the context—whether you are in a workshop or a boardroom—will guide you in choosing the appropriate form of this versatile word.

Passive Construction: The panels were screwed together to ensure they would not vibrate during transport.

She screwed her courage to the sticking-place, a famous idiom from Shakespeare meaning to gather one's bravery.

The word screw is one of those rare words that you are just as likely to hear in a high-tech laboratory as you are in a messy garage or a heated argument. In everyday life, the most common place you will encounter the literal noun is in a hardware store or while following assembly instructions for furniture. If you have ever bought a desk from IKEA, you have undoubtedly spent time identifying 'Screw A' and 'Screw B' and trying to figure out which one goes where. In these contexts, the word is purely functional and devoid of any emotional weight. You will hear it used by contractors, plumbers, and carpenters who might ask an assistant to 'hand me a one-inch wood screw.'

DIY and Construction: Commonly heard in home improvement stores (Home Depot, B&Q) and during household repairs or furniture assembly.

In the workplace, particularly in fast-paced environments like kitchens, offices, or tech startups, you will frequently hear the phrasal verb 'screw up.' It is a standard part of the vernacular for admitting error. A manager might say, 'We screwed up the delivery schedule, so we need to work late to fix it.' It is less formal than 'made a mistake' but more common in the actual spoken English of professionals. You might also hear it in the context of 'screwing around,' which is often used as a lighthearted or slightly annoyed way to tell someone to focus. 'Stop screwing around with the photocopier and come to the meeting!'

The foreman shouted, 'We need more screws for the drywall before the sun goes down!'

In the world of finance and law, you might hear the more aggressive 'screw over' or 'tighten the screws.' When a company is going through a hostile takeover or a difficult audit, journalists might report that the government is 'tightening the screws' on the corporation by enforcing stricter regulations. This usage highlights the word's ability to convey pressure and control. In sports, a commentator might say a player 'screwed up' a crucial play, leading to a loss for the team. This shows how the word permeates almost every aspect of public life where performance and precision are valued.

Media and News: Used metaphorically in headlines to describe political pressure, economic sanctions, or high-profile failures.

'The bank really screwed us over with those hidden interest rates,' complained the small business owner.

Interestingly, you will also hear 'screw' in very specific technical fields. In biology, the 'Archimedes screw' is a concept used to describe certain movements or structures. In engineering, 'screw threads' are discussed with extreme precision, involving measurements of pitch and diameter. Even in the kitchen, a 'corkscrew' is a common tool that everyone knows. The word is so integrated into the English-speaking world that it is almost impossible to go a full day without hearing it in one of its many forms. From the literal metal object to the metaphorical bungle, 'screw' is a linguistic workhorse that adapts to its environment, whether that environment is a construction site, a courtroom, or a casual dinner with friends.

Technical Fields: Used in engineering, physics, and biology to describe helical structures or mechanisms that convert rotation to linear force.

The scientist explained how the screw pump could move water uphill with minimal energy loss.

One of the most frequent mistakes English learners make with the word screw is confusing it with other fasteners, specifically nails and bolts. While they all serve the purpose of joining things together, the method of application is different. A nail is driven in with a hammer using direct force, whereas a screw must be turned or rotated with a screwdriver. Confusing these can lead to awkward sentences like 'I hammered the screw into the wall.' While technically possible, it is incorrect usage and would likely damage the screw's threads. Similarly, a bolt usually requires a nut to secure it, whereas a screw typically creates its own thread in the material it enters.

Screw vs. Nail: Mistake: 'I need a hammer to fix this screw.' Correct: 'I need a screwdriver to turn this screw.'

Another common error involves the register and social appropriateness of the word. Because 'screw' has informal and sometimes vulgar meanings, learners often use it in situations where it might be considered too casual or even offensive. For example, telling a boss 'I screwed up the report' might be acceptable in a relaxed office, but in a formal corporate setting, it is better to say 'I made an error in the report.' Using 'screw you' as a joke can also backfire, as it is a genuine insult in many contexts. It is crucial to gauge the level of formality before using the more idiomatic versions of the word.

Incorrect: 'The company screwed the contract.' (Meaning they signed it). Correct: 'The company signed the contract.'

Grammatically, learners often struggle with the phrasal verb 'screw up' and its transitivity. They might say 'I screwed up it' instead of 'I screwed it up.' When using a pronoun like 'it,' 'them,' or 'this,' the pronoun must come between 'screw' and 'up.' However, if you are using a full noun, you can say either 'I screwed up the project' or 'I screwed the project up.' This nuance of separable phrasal verbs is a common stumbling block for B1 and B2 level students. Mastering this placement will make your English sound much more natural and fluent.

Word Order: Mistake: 'I screwed up it.' Correct: 'I screwed it up.' (Pronouns must go in the middle).

He screwed the cap on too tight, and now I cannot open the bottle.

Finally, there is the confusion between 'screwed' and 'screwy.' While 'screwed' usually means in trouble or cheated, 'screwy' is an adjective meaning strange, weird, or not working correctly. Saying 'This plan is screwed' means the plan is ruined or doomed to fail. Saying 'This plan is screwy' means the plan is eccentric or doesn't make much sense. These are subtle differences, but using the wrong one can change the meaning of your sentence significantly. Paying attention to these small details will help you use 'screw' with the precision of a native speaker.

Screwed vs. Screwy: 'Screwed' = In big trouble. 'Screwy' = Weird or nonsensical.

The logic in his argument was a bit screwy, making it hard for anyone to follow his point.

When you want to avoid repeating the word screw or when you need a more precise term, there are several alternatives depending on the context. In a technical or construction setting, you might use more specific nouns like fastener, bolt, rivet, or anchor. A 'fastener' is a broad category that includes screws, while a 'bolt' is specifically a fastener used with a nut. If you are talking about the action of securing something, verbs like fasten, secure, tighten, or fix are excellent professional alternatives. For example, instead of 'screw the plate to the wall,' you could say 'secure the plate to the wall.'

Technical Alternatives: Fastener, Bolt, Rivet, Anchor, Pin. Use 'fasten' or 'secure' for a more formal verb choice.

In the context of making a mistake (the informal 'screw up'), there are many synonyms ranging from formal to slang. In a professional environment, bungle, botch, err, or mishandle are appropriate. 'He bungled the negotiations' sounds more sophisticated than 'He screwed up the negotiations.' In very casual settings, you might hear mess up, foul up, or even goof up. 'Mess up' is perhaps the closest direct synonym to 'screw up' in terms of tone and frequency, and it is safe to use in almost any informal or semi-formal situation.

The surgeon had to secure the bone with a titanium plate and several specialized fasteners.

When 'screw' is used to mean 'cheat' or 'deceive,' you can use verbs like defraud, swindle, exploit, or shortchange. 'The contractor swindled the elderly couple out of their savings' is a much more serious and formal way of saying they 'screwed them over.' If you want to describe someone who is in trouble ('I'm screwed'), you could say 'I'm in a bind,' 'I'm in a predicament,' or 'I'm in hot water.' These alternatives allow you to express the same level of urgency without using a word that some might find slightly uncouth.

Mistake Synonyms: Bungle (clumsy mistake), Botch (poorly done task), Mess up (general error), Err (formal mistake).

The accountant was caught trying to swindle the firm by inflating the travel expenses.

Finally, for the idiom 'tighten the screws,' you might use apply pressure, coerce, or intensify demands. For 'having a screw loose,' you could say someone is eccentric, unbalanced, or peculiar. Having a wide range of synonyms at your disposal not only prevents your speech from becoming repetitive but also allows you to tailor your language to the specific social context you are in. Whether you are writing a technical manual, a business email, or chatting with a friend, knowing these alternatives will significantly enhance your expressive capabilities in English.

Pressure Synonyms: To exert influence, to lean on someone, to squeeze, to coerce, to compel.

The government decided to apply pressure on the neighboring country by closing the trade borders.

How Formal Is It?

औपचारिक

तटस्थ

अनौपचारिक

Child friendly

बोलचाल

रोचक तथ्य

The 'Archimedes screw' was actually invented long before Archimedes was born, but he popularized it for moving water in Egypt.

उच्चारण मार्गदर्शिका

UK /skruː/

US /skru/

Single syllable word; the stress is on the entire word.

तुकबंदी

Blue True Glue Clue Shoe Through View New

आम गलतियाँ

Pronouncing it like 'skrew-er' (adding an extra syllable).
Confusing the 'oo' sound with the 'u' in 'pull'. It should be a long 'oo'.
Failing to blend the 's' and 'k' smoothly.
Pronouncing the 'w' at the end (the 'w' is silent).
Confusing it with 'shrew'.

कठिनाई स्तर

पठन 2/5

Easy to recognize in context, especially in instructions.

लिखना 3/5

Requires knowledge of phrasal verb word order (screw it up).

बोलना 3/5

Common in slang; must be used with correct social awareness.

श्रवण 2/5

Distinct sound, rarely confused with other words.

आगे क्या सीखें

पूर्वापेक्षाएँ

Tool Metal Fix Turn Mistake

आगे सीखें

Fastener Screwdriver Bungle Bout Thread

उन्नत

Torque Helical Machining Coercion Predicament

ज़रूरी व्याकरण

Separable Phrasal Verbs

You can say 'Screw up the paper' or 'Screw the paper up,' but with pronouns, it must be 'Screw it up.'

Passive Voice for Victimization

'I was screwed over by the company' is more common than 'The company screwed me over' when emphasizing the feeling of being a victim.

Nouns as Verbs

The word 'screw' is a classic example of a noun being 'verbed' to describe the action associated with it.

Compound Noun Formation

The phrasal verb 'screw up' becomes the hyphenated noun 'screw-up'.

Imperative Mood

'Screw the lid on!' is a common use of the imperative mood for instructions.

स्तर के अनुसार उदाहरण

I need a small screw for this picture frame.

J'ai besoin d'une petite vis pour ce cadre.

Noun, singular, countable.

Can you screw the lid on the jar?

Peux-tu visser le couvercle sur le bocal ?

Verb, imperative.

Where is the screwdriver for this screw?

Où est le tournevis pour cette vis ?

Noun, singular.

The screw is made of metal.

La vis est en métal.

Noun, subject of the sentence.

Please do not lose the screws.

S'il vous plaît, ne perdez pas les vis.

Noun, plural.

Screw the toy together carefully.

Vissez le jouet avec précaution.

Verb, base form.

This screw is too long for the wood.

Cette vis est trop longue pour le bois.

Noun, singular.

I have ten screws in my box.

J'ai dix vis dans ma boîte.

Noun, plural with a number.

He unscrewed the back of the watch to change the battery.

Il a dévissé l'arrière de la montre pour changer la pile.

Verb, past tense of unscrew.

I think I screwed up the directions to the party.

Je pense que je me suis trompé dans l'itinéraire pour la fête.

Phrasal verb, past tense.

Screw the cap back on tight so the juice doesn't spill.

Revissez bien le bouchon pour que le jus ne se renverse pas.

Verb, imperative with adverb.

The chair is wobbly because a screw is missing.

La chaise est bancale parce qu'il manque une vis.

Noun, singular.

You need to screw this part into the base.

Vous devez visser cette partie dans la base.

Verb, infinitive after 'need to'.

Don't screw the lightbulb in too hard.

Ne vissez pas l'ampoule trop fort.

Verb, negative imperative.

I bought a box of assorted screws at the store.

J'ai acheté une boîte de vis assorties au magasin.

Noun, plural.

She screwed the handle onto the drawer.

Elle a vissé la poignée sur le tiroir.

Verb, past tense.

I really screwed up my chances of getting that job.

J'ai vraiment gâché mes chances d'obtenir ce travail.

Phrasal verb, metaphorical use.

The mechanic said the screw was stripped and couldn't be removed.

Le mécanicien a dit que la vis était foirée et ne pouvait pas être retirée.

Noun, technical adjective 'stripped'.

Stop screwing around and help me with these boxes!

Arrête de faire l'idiot et aide-moi avec ces cartons !

Phrasal verb, informal.

If we don't finish this project on time, we're screwed.

Si nous ne finissons pas ce projet à temps, nous sommes foutus.

Adjective, slang for 'in trouble'.

He screwed the paper into a ball and threw it away.

Il a mis le papier en boule et l'a jeté.

Verb, physical action.

The salesman tried to screw us out of our deposit.

Le vendeur a essayé de nous escroquer notre caution.

Phrasal verb 'screw out of', meaning to cheat.

Make sure you use the right size screw for the drywall.

Assurez-vous d'utiliser la bonne taille de vis pour la cloison sèche.

Noun, specific context.

She screwed her eyes shut to avoid seeing the needle.

Elle a fermé les yeux très fort pour éviter de voir l'aiguille.

Verb, describing a facial expression.

The government is tightening the screws on tax evaders.

Le gouvernement serre la vis aux fraudeurs fiscaux.

Idiom, metaphorical pressure.

I think the new neighbor has a screw loose; he talks to his plants all night.

Je pense que le nouveau voisin a un grain ; il parle à ses plantes toute la nuit.

Idiom, meaning eccentric or crazy.

The company was accused of screwing over its subcontractors.

L'entreprise a été accusée de léser ses sous-traitants.

Phrasal verb, passive voice.

You need to screw the tensioning bolt to adjust the belt.

Vous devez visser le boulon de tension pour ajuster la courroie.

Verb, technical context.

He screwed up his face in disgust when he tasted the sour milk.

Il a fait une grimace de dégoût quand il a goûté le lait tourné.

Phrasal verb, describing a gesture.

The screws were rusted into the wood, making them impossible to turn.

Les vis étaient rouillées dans le bois, ce qui les rendait impossibles à tourner.

Noun, plural, passive state.

Don't let them screw you down on the price; the car is worth more.

Ne les laisse pas marchander le prix à la baisse ; la voiture vaut plus.

Phrasal verb 'screw down', meaning to force a lower price.

The Archimedes screw is still used in many irrigation systems today.

La vis d'Archimède est encore utilisée dans de nombreux systèmes d'irrigation aujourd'hui.

Proper noun phrase.

The prosecutor really put the screws on the witness during cross-examination.

Le procureur a vraiment mis la pression au témoin pendant le contre-interrogatoire.

Idiom, intense interrogation.

The intricate screw threads were machined to a tolerance of one micron.

Les filetages complexes ont été usinés avec une tolérance d'un micron.

Noun, technical engineering.

Macbeth's wife told him to screw his courage to the sticking-place.

La femme de Macbeth lui a dit de raffermir son courage.

Literary allusion (Shakespeare).

The economic sanctions are designed to screw with the country's ability to fund the war.

Les sanctions économiques sont conçues pour entraver la capacité du pays à financer la guerre.

Phrasal verb 'screw with', meaning to interfere.

The old 'screw' at the prison was known for his lack of empathy.

Le vieux gardien de la prison était connu pour son manque d'empathie.

Noun, archaic slang for prison guard.

The policy was a total screw-up from start to finish.

La politique a été un fiasco total du début à la fin.

Compound noun derived from phrasal verb.

She has a very screwy way of looking at the world, but it's refreshing.

Elle a une façon très bizarre de voir le monde, mais c'est rafraîchissant.

Adjective 'screwy', meaning eccentric.

The screw-propeller revolutionized maritime travel in the 19th century.

L'hélice a révolutionné les voyages maritimes au XIXe siècle.

Compound noun, historical context.

The structural failure was attributed to a single hydrogen-embrittled screw.

La défaillance structurelle a été attribuée à une seule vis fragilisée par l'hydrogène.

Noun, highly technical scientific context.

The narrative's tension is heightened by the slow tightening of the psychological screws.

La tension du récit est accrue par le resserrement progressif de la pression psychologique.

Metaphorical literary analysis.

He managed to screw a confession out of the suspect after hours of grueling interrogation.

Il a réussi à extorquer une confession au suspect après des heures d'interrogatoire éreintant.

Verb, meaning to extort or force out.

The screw-worm infestation posed a significant threat to the local livestock.

L'infestation de lucilies bouchères représentait une menace importante pour le bétail local.

Noun, biological term.

The intricate dance of the gears and screws within the chronometer was a marvel of horology.

La danse complexe des engrenages et des vis à l'intérieur du chronomètre était une merveille d'horlogerie.

Noun, poetic/technical blend.

In the cutthroat world of high finance, you either screw or get screwed.

Dans le monde impitoyable de la haute finance, soit on plume, soit on est plumé.

Verb, cynical idiomatic usage.

The screw-pine is a common sight along the tropical coastlines of the Pacific.

Le pandanus est un spectacle courant le long des côtes tropicales du Pacifique.

Noun, botanical name.

The lead screw of the lathe must be perfectly aligned to ensure accurate threading.

La vis mère du tour doit être parfaitement alignée pour assurer un filetage précis.

Noun, specialized industrial machinery.

सामान्य शब्द संयोजन

Tighten a screw

Loosen a screw

Screw up badly

Phillips-head screw

Wood screw

Screw the lid on

Screw something into the wall

Completely screwed

Screw over a customer

Screw around with

सामान्य वाक्यांश

Screw it!

Screw your head on straight

Screw up your courage

Screw with someone

Screw down

Screw on tight

Screw loose

Screw-top

Screw-up

Screw around

अक्सर इससे भ्रम होता है

screw vs Nail

A nail is hit with a hammer; a screw is turned with a screwdriver.

screw vs Bolt

A bolt usually goes through a hole and is secured by a nut; a screw usually goes directly into the material.

screw vs Skew

To skew means to slant or distort; it has nothing to do with fasteners.

मुहावरे और अभिव्यक्तियाँ

"Tighten the screws"

To increase pressure on someone to make them comply or to make a situation more difficult.

The bank is tightening the screws on people who haven't paid their mortgages.

Neutral/Journalistic

"Have a screw loose"

To be mentally unstable or to act in a very eccentric way.

You'd have to have a screw loose to go swimming in this freezing weather.

Informal

"Screw one's courage to the sticking-place"

To gather all of one's bravery for a difficult task.

He screwed his courage to the sticking-place and finally proposed to her.

Literary

"Put the screws on"

To use force or threats to get someone to do what you want.

The mobsters put the screws on the shopkeeper to pay for protection.

Informal/Slang

"A screw-up"

A total failure or a person who consistently fails.

The launch was a total screw-up due to a software bug.

Informal

"Screw you"

A vulgar and offensive way to express anger or contempt toward someone.

He shouted 'Screw you!' and slammed the door.

Vulgar/Slang

"Screwed, blued, and tattooed"

An old slang expression meaning to be thoroughly cheated or mistreated.

After that bad business deal, he felt screwed, blued, and tattooed.

Archaic Slang

"Turn the screw"

To make a bad situation even worse for someone, often intentionally.

The landlord turned the screw by raising the rent right after the factory closed.

Neutral

"Screw-all"

British slang for 'nothing at all'.

I've been working all day and I've achieved screw-all.

Informal/British

"Screw the pooch"

American slang for making a huge, embarrassing mistake.

He really screwed the pooch on that presentation; the client was furious.

Informal/American

आसानी से भ्रमित होने वाले

screw vs Screwy

Sounds like 'screw' or 'screwed'.

'Screwy' means weird or eccentric, while 'screwed' means in trouble.

That's a screwy idea, but it might work.

screw vs Screwdriver

Both relate to the same action.

The screw is the fastener; the screwdriver is the tool.

I can't find the screwdriver to fix this screw.

screw vs Shrew

Similar pronunciation.

A shrew is a small mouse-like animal or an ill-tempered woman.

The Taming of the Shrew is a famous play.

screw vs Scrub

Similar starting sound.

To scrub means to clean something by rubbing hard.

You need to scrub the floor.

screw vs Crew

Rhymes with screw.

A crew is a group of people working together.

The ship's crew was very professional.

वाक्य संरचनाएँ

I need a [noun].

I need a screw.

Can you [verb] the [noun]?

Can you screw the lid?

I [phrasal verb] the [noun].

I screwed up the exam.

I'm [adjective].

I'm screwed.

The [noun] is [adjective].

The screw is stripped.

They are [idiom] on [someone].

They are tightening the screws on him.

It was a total [compound noun].

It was a total screw-up.

[Verb] your [noun] to the [noun].

Screw your courage to the sticking-place.

शब्द परिवार

संज्ञा

क्रिया

विशेषण

इसे कैसे इस्तेमाल करें

frequency

Extremely high in both technical and casual English.

सामान्य गलतियाँ

I hammered the screw. → I screwed the screw in.
Screws are turned, not hit with a hammer.
I screwed up it. → I screwed it up.
With phrasal verbs, the pronoun must come between the verb and the particle.
He is a screw. → He is a prison guard.
Using 'screw' for a person is very old slang and can be confusing or rude.
The screw of the bottle is open. → The cap of the bottle is unscrewed.
We usually refer to the 'cap' or 'lid', not the 'screw' of a bottle.
I screwed my exam. → I screwed up my exam.
Without 'up', the meaning changes and can be vulgar.

सुझाव

Right Tool

Always use a screwdriver for a screw. Using a hammer will ruin the threads and make it impossible to remove later.

Phrasal Verbs

Master 'screw up' first. It is the most useful version of the word for daily conversation.

Offense Alert

Avoid 'Screw you' unless you are prepared for a real argument. It is much stronger than 'I don't agree'.

Pronoun Placement

Remember: 'Screw IT up', not 'Screw up IT'. The pronoun always goes in the middle.

Pre-drilling

When screwing into hard wood, drill a small hole first. This prevents the wood from splitting.

Screwed

If you say 'I'm screwed', you are expressing a high level of stress. Use it sparingly for effect.

Pressure

Use 'tighten the screws' when describing a negotiation where one side is getting more aggressive.

Stripped Screws

A 'stripped' screw is one where the head is damaged so the screwdriver can't grip it. This is a common problem!

Silent W

The 'w' in screw is silent. Focus on the 'oo' sound when speaking.

Pig Tail

Remember the pig's tail to visualize the spiral shape of the screw thread.

याद करें

स्मृति सहायक

Think of a 'Spiral' that 'Secures' things. Both start with 'S', just like 'Screw'.

दृश्य संबंध

Imagine a pig's curly tail (the original Latin inspiration) turning into a metal fastener.

Word Web

Screwdriver Bolt Metal Tighten Mistake Spiral Tool Hardware

चैलेंज

Try to use 'screw' in three different ways today: once for a tool, once for a mistake, and once for tightening a lid.

शब्द की उत्पत्ति

The word entered English in the late 14th century from the Middle French 'escroe', which meant a 'nut' or 'the hole a screw goes into'. This was derived from the Latin 'scrofa', meaning a 'sow' (female pig).

मूल अर्थ: The connection to a sow is thought to be because the spiral thread of a screw resembles a pig's curly tail.

Indo-European > Italic > Latin > French > English.

सांस्कृतिक संदर्भ

Be careful with 'Screw you' and 'screwed' (in a sexual sense), as these can be highly offensive or inappropriate in professional and formal settings.

Very common in everyday speech across all dialects. 'Screw up' is universal.

Shakespeare's Macbeth: 'Screw your courage to the sticking-place.' The Archimedes Screw (Ancient Greek engineering). The 'Screw' magazine (controversial 20th-century publication).

असल ज़िंदगी में अभ्यास करें

वास्तविक संदर्भ

Furniture Assembly

Tighten the screws
Missing screw
Screw A into slot B
Hand-tighten only

Admitting a Mistake

I screwed up
A total screw-up
Don't screw it up
I really screwed that one

Hardware Store

A box of screws
Wood screws vs metal screws
Phillips-head
What size screw?

Being in Trouble

We're screwed
Totally screwed
You're so screwed
I'm screwed either way

Negotiations

Tighten the screws
Screw down the price
Get screwed over
Put the screws on them

बातचीत की शुरुआत

"Have you ever tried to build IKEA furniture and ended up with extra screws?"

"What is the biggest thing you have ever screwed up at work or school?"

"Do you prefer using screws or nails when you are fixing things around the house?"

"Has anyone ever tried to screw you over in a business deal?"

"Do you think 'screw-top' wine is just as good as wine with a cork?"

डायरी विषय

Describe a time you 'screwed up' something important and how you fixed the situation.

Write about a DIY project you completed. What kind of tools and screws did you use?

Reflect on a situation where someone 'tightened the screws' on you. How did you handle the pressure?

If you could invent a new type of 'screw' or fastener, what would it look like and what would it do?

Write a story about a character who has a 'screw loose'. What strange things do they do?

अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल

10 सवाल

No, 'screw up' is not generally considered offensive. It is an informal way to say 'make a mistake' and is used frequently in workplaces and schools. However, it is not suitable for very formal writing.

A screw is typically tapered and creates its own thread in the material (like wood). A bolt is usually not tapered and is used with a nut to hold materials together.

It is an informal way of saying 'I am in a very difficult situation' or 'I am in big trouble' with no easy way out.

You can use the literal noun 'screw' if you are talking about hardware. You can use 'screw up' in a casual meeting, but in a formal one, use 'mistake' or 'error'.

It is a screw with a cross-shaped slot on its head, requiring a specific type of screwdriver called a Phillips-head screwdriver.

It is old slang. Some say it comes from the guards 'turning the key' (like a screw), others say it refers to the 'thumbscrews' used in old prisons.

No! 'Screw you' is a serious insult. 'Screw up' is just making a mistake. Be very careful not to confuse them.

It means one country or group is putting more pressure (like sanctions or rules) on another to force them to change their behavior.

It is a machine shaped like a large screw inside a pipe, used to lift water from a lower level to a higher level.

It means someone is acting crazy, eccentric, or not thinking clearly.