pincer

Everyday

1. One of the two claws of a crab, lobster or scorpion, used for gripping. tree →
2. Pincers: a tool with two handles and two curved jaws for gripping things or pulling out nails. tree →
3. A pincer movement: an attack in which two groups come at an enemy from both sides. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons on minibeasts and sea creatures: crabs, lobsters, earwigs and scorpions have pincers. In DT, pincers pull nails. In history lessons about battles, a pincer movement traps an army between two forces.

Examples

• The crab nipped my finger with its pincer. tree →
• Earwigs have pincers at the end of their bodies. tree →
• Dad pulled the nail out with a pair of pincers. tree →
• The scorpion grabbed the beetle with its pincers. tree →
• The army attacked in a pincer movement from the north and south. tree →
• A lobster's pincers are very strong. tree →
• So the crab caught hold of his neck with his claws as securely as with a pair of blacksmith's pincers, and called out, "Off with you, now!" tree →

Note

Countable; often plural. The tool is «a pair of pincers», like «a pair of scissors». Do not confuse with «pliers» (a tool for gripping and bending) though they are similar. Safety: be gentle with crabs on the beach and put them back where you found them.