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    Pincer (en. Pinch)

    /pɛ̃.se/

    Meaning & Definition

    EnglishFrench
    verb
    To grasp something between the fingers or pincers.
    He pinched the tablecloth to readjust it.
    Il a pincé la nappe pour la réajuster.
    To cause pain by squeezing.
    She pinched her arm when closing the door.
    Elle s'est pincé le bras en refermant la porte.
    To produce a sound by pinching a string.
    He pinched the strings of his guitar to play a melody.
    Il a pincé les cordes de sa guitare pour jouer une mélodie.
    To slightly crush something.
    The pliers pinched the cable, creating a short circuit.
    La pince a pincé le câble, créant un court-circuit.

    Etymology

    From the Latin 'pincere', which means 'to tighten'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    to pinch one's lips
    To close the lips in a way that expresses disapproval.
    pincer les lèvres
    to pinch the cheek
    To affectionately or teasingly grab someone's cheek.
    pincer la joue
    to pinch something
    To grasp or catch something between the fingers.
    pincer quelque chose

    Related Words

    pliers
    Tool for grasping or holding.
    pince
    pinching
    Action of pinching, often causing mild pain.
    pincement
    paintbrush
    Tool used for painting, but the word contains 'pinch'.
    pinceau

    Slang Meanings

    To catch or seize someone.
    I pinched him on the street outside the café.
    Je l'ai pincé dans la rue à la sortie du café.
    To be in trouble or in a difficult situation.
    He's in a jam; he got pinched by the police.
    Il est dans le pétrin, il s'est fait pincer par la police.