Basic Details
Word: Thumbscrew
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A simple device used in the past to apply pressure to a person's thumb as a form of torture or for holding something in place.
Synonyms: Torture device, clamp
Antonyms: N/A
Idioms and Phrases
- Under the thumbscrew: Being in a position of extreme pressure or duress. Example: "After the tough exam, I felt like I was under the thumbscrew until I received my results."
- Twist the thumbscrew: To increase pressure, especially in a difficult situation. Example: "The coach twisted the thumbscrew when he announced the final tryouts for the team."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The thumbscrew was used historically to extract confessions during interrogations.
Example 2: In literature, a thumbscrew may symbolize the harshness of authority figures.
Example 3: The inventor created a modern thumbscrew that efficiently tightened furniture joints without causing damage.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the thumbscrew was not just a tool of torture but also an ingenious invention that helped clamp wood pieces together? Its design has influenced many modern clamping devices.
Famous Quote
"It is the law of the jungle that only the strongest survive, and those weaklings who cannot to survive face the thumbscrew." Unknown Author
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "thumbscrew" mean?
a) A musical instrument
b) A type of animal
c) A device used to apply pressure
d) A kind of food
Answer: c) A device used to apply pressure
2. Which of these is a synonym of "thumbscrew"?
a) Magician's trick
b) Torture device
c) Cooking utensil
d) Toy
Answer: b) Torture device
3. Which sentence uses "thumbscrew" correctly?
a) The thumbscrew was a popular way to extract juice from fruits.
b) The thumbscrew was used in history to apply pressure to prisoners.
c) The thumbscrew helped in creating make-up.
d) The thumbscrew sang beautifully at the concert.
Answer: b) The thumbscrew was used in history to apply pressure to prisoners.
4. Which idiom means being under severe pressure?
a) Under the thumbscrew
b) As quiet as a mouse
c) Happy as a clam
d) As bright as a button
Answer: a) Under the thumbscrew
5. What is the opposite of "thumbscrew"?
a) N/A
b) Joyful expression
c) Freedom device
d) Musical instrument
Answer: a) N/A
