งัด
pry open
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- 1 pry open、pry loose、lever
- 2 bring out (a strategy or resource)、draw on (skills or knowledge)
This word describes prying something open or moving it with leverage. Figuratively, it can mean bringing out a stored resource, skill, or strategy when it is needed.
pry open、pry loose、lever
To force something open, loose, or upward by applying leverage with a tool or other long object.
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งัดประตู ŋát pratuu pry a door open งัดประตู details
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คนงานกำลังงัดฝาหีบด้วยชะแลง khon ŋaan kamlaŋ ŋát fǎa hìip dûay chalɛɛŋ The worker is prying open the lid of the chest with a crowbar. คนงานกำลังงัดฝาหีบด้วยชะแลง details
bring out (a strategy or resource)、draw on (skills or knowledge)
To bring out and use a resource, argument, skill, or strategy that had been held in reserve.
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เขางัดหลักฐานใหม่ออกมา khǎw ŋát làk thǎan mày ɔ̀ɔk maa He brought out new evidence. เขางัดหลักฐานใหม่ออกมา details
Learning notes
Explanation
The core image is applying leverage by inserting a bar or tool into a gap and forcing something upward, loose, or open. It is commonly used with doors, windows, lids, and other objects that cannot be opened easily by hand. This physical image extends figuratively to pulling out something that had been kept in reserve, such as evidence, a tactic, expertise, or a special ability. Common patterns include งัด…ออกมา, “bring or pull … out,” and งัด…มาใช้, “bring … out and put it to use.” In the fixed expression งัดข้อ, the word forms part of the meaning “to arm-wrestle.” The expression can also describe two people, organizations, or factions contending with each other.
Usage
It is often used when someone pries off a tightly fitted lid with a crowbar or when reporting that a burglar forced open a door or window. Figuratively, it appears when a team deploys a secret tactic, someone produces new evidence in an argument, or a person draws on all their knowledge and skills to handle a difficult problem.
Caution
Use เปิด for ordinary opening with a key, handle, or lid. งัด implies force and leverage, so it is not a general replacement for “open.” Also, learn งัดข้อ as a complete expression. งัด by itself does not normally mean “to arm-wrestle.”
Differences from similar words
1 pry open synonyms
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เปิด is the general verb for opening a door, container, or similar object. งัด is used when something is forcibly pried open or moved with leverage.
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แงะ also means working something open or loose through a gap, sometimes even with the fingers. งัด more clearly suggests applying strong leverage, often with a long tool.
2 bring out (a strategy or resource) synonyms
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นำออกมา neutrally means to bring something out. งัด is more vivid and often implies pulling out a powerful resource or tactic for use at a critical moment.