handcuff

Everyday

1. (noun, usually plural) Two metal rings joined by a chain that police lock round a prisoner's wrists. tree →
2. (verb) To put handcuffs on someone: The police handcuffed the thief. tree →
3. (verb, informal) To limit someone so they cannot act freely. tree →

In the lessons

In crime stories and news police handcuff suspects; in everyday talk a rule can «handcuff» you, meaning tie your hands. Phrases: «a pair of handcuffs», «in handcuffs», «be handcuffed».

Examples

• The police officer handcuffed the robber. tree →
• The thief was led away in handcuffs. tree →
• The magician escaped from the handcuffs. tree →
• The toy police set came with plastic handcuffs. tree →
• The new rules handcuffed the team. tree →
• A pair of handcuffs has two cuffs. tree →

Note

The noun is normally plural: «handcuffs», «a pair of handcuffs». Informal short form: «cuffs». Regular verb.