razor

Everyday

1. A razor is a tool with a very sharp blade used to shave hair off the face, legs or head. tree →
2. An electric razor is a small machine that shaves hair with moving blades. tree →
3. «Razor-sharp» describes something extremely sharp, or a very quick, clever mind. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life and safety, razors belong to adults and must be kept away from small children because the blades cut easily. In stories, «razor-sharp teeth» or «razor-sharp claws» tells the reader an animal is dangerous. Phrases: «razor blade», «electric razor», «razor-sharp».

Examples

• Dad shaves his chin with a razor every morning. tree →
• Keep the razor in the high cupboard away from the baby. tree →
• Mum bought a new electric razor. tree →
• The shark had razor-sharp teeth. tree →
• The razor blade is thin and very sharp. tree →
• Never play with a razor; it can cut you badly. tree →
• She has a razor-sharp memory for facts. tree →
• The barber used a razor to tidy the back of his neck. tree →
• At last he jumped up, and caught the razor out of the barber’s hand, exclaiming: tree →

Note

Countable: a razor, two razors. Do not confuse with «raiser» (someone who raises something, as in «fundraiser»). If you find a razor blade lying around, tell an adult instead of picking it up.

In Jewish tradition

The Levites were shaved all over before they began their service. In Psalm 52 a deceitful tongue is like a sharp razor.

Interpretation. The Levites' shaving is read as a rite of purification, a fresh start for holy work. The Psalm is read as a warning that harmful speech cuts like a blade.

Examples

• And thus shalt thou do unto them, to cleanse them: sprinkle the water of purification upon them, and let them cause a razor to pass over all their flesh, and let them wash their clothes, and cleanse themselves. (Torah NUM.8.7, JPS 1917) tree →
• Thy tongue deviseth destruction; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully. (Writings PSA.52.4, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Countable: a razor, two razors. Do not confuse with «raiser» (someone who raises something, as in «fundraiser»). If you find a razor blade lying around, tell an adult instead of picking it up.