punch

Everyday

1. To hit someone or something hard with a closed fist. tree →
2. (noun) A hard hit with the fist. tree →
3. To make a hole in something with a tool (punch a ticket). tree →
4. (noun) A tool for making holes (a hole punch). tree →
5. (noun) A sweet drink made by mixing fruit juices, sometimes with alcohol, served from a big bowl. tree →
6. To press keys or buttons (punch in a number). tree →
7. (noun) Strength or force in a speech or idea (a joke with punch). tree →

In the lessons

In safety and stories, fighting and hitting (never OK — tell an adult). In school and offices, a hole punch for papers. At parties, a bowl of fruit punch; in maths, recipes for punch (mix 2 litres of juice with 1 litre of lemonade). Phrases: «punch line» (the funny end of a joke), «pack a punch», «beat someone to the punch», «hole punch».

Examples

• He punched the pillow when he was angry. tree →
• Punching other children is never OK. tree →
• The boxer threw a punch. tree →
• Use the hole punch to make holes in the paper. tree →
• The bus driver punched my ticket. tree →
• We made fruit punch for the party. tree →
• The recipe uses 3 litres of juice and 2 litres of lemonade, so 5 litres of punch. tree →
• What's the punch line of the joke? tree →
• The two then fell into grips, and went lurching and punching about the great hall. tree →

Note

Countable noun (punches). «Punch» the drink is uncountable (some punch). In maths with punch: total volume = sum of the liquids; to share, divide by cup size. Safety: if someone punches you, get away and tell a trusted adult.