lever

10 definitions • 11 examples

a bar or handle that moves around a fixed point, so that one end of it can be pushed or pulled in order to control the operation of a machine or move a heavy or stiff object

something you use, often unfairly, to try to persuade someone to do what you want

to move a bar or handle around a fixed point, so that one end of it can be pushed or pulled in order to control the operation of a machine or move a heavy or stiff object:

lever something up She levered up the drain cover.

He levered open the engine compartment and released a great cloud of blue smoke.

If you lever someone or something to a place, you move them there with great physical effort:

He levered himself out of his chair with the usual difficulty and opened his arms wide.

Jim fought to pull himself up, levering his arms down.

to change a situation in order to suit yourself, often using unfair methods:

The company gobbles up rivals or levers them out of the market.

They accused the companies of using political pressure to lever out competition.

a handle that you move to control the operation of a machine:

He pushed the lever into the "on" position and started the machine.

A lever is also a bar, moving over a fixed point, that when pressed down at one end can move or lift something at the other end.

a bar or handle which moves around a fixed point, so that one end of it can be pushed or pulled in order to control a machine or move a heavy object:

Lower the lever to lock the machine into place.

something you use to try to persuade someone to do what you want or to get the result you want:

Using trade or other economic tools as a lever of diplomacy is not new.

a lever for (doing) sth If your mortgage offer is less than you wanted, it may be a useful lever for getting the price of the house down.

to try to persuade someone to do what you want, or try to get a particular result:

lever sb into (doing) sth But the government has not allowed the market to lever employers into that position.