ratchet
A ratchet is a device that makes things easier to turn or lift by providing extra grip. You can find it on tools like wrenches and socket sets.
You might use the word "ratchet" when talking about a mechanical advantage, but did you know it's also used in other ways? For example, if someone is getting worse at something over time, we say they're ratcheting down their skills. This means they're not improving as much as before and are losing ground. The idea comes from the device that makes things easier to turn, but now is used to describe a situation where progress slows or even reverses itself.
How common is "ratchet"?
It has a balanced usage among all categories: speech, fiction, newspapers and academic texts.
noun
A pawl, click or detent for holding or propelling a ratchet wheel, or ratch, etc.
verb
To cause to become incremented or decremented.
Example: It's time to ratchet up the intensity level here.
Real examples of "ratchet" in context
