Pronunciation

/ˈlevər/

Definitions

• Noun: A bar or rigid piece that pivots on a fulcrum, typically used to move an object by applying force at one end. For example: “He pulled the lever to start the machine.”
  • Metaphorical usage: It can also refer to a means of control or influence, such as “The power to raise taxes is a political lever.”

Example sentences:

• Noun (physical object): “The operator had to manually operate the levers to control the steam engine.”
• Noun (metaphorical): “Education is often seen as a lever to lift people out of poverty.”

Phrases

• “Pull the lever” – to activate or initiate something by using a lever.
• “Leverage” – using something to its maximum advantage or to exert influence; e.g., “They leveraged their expertise to secure funding.”

Synonyms

• Handle
• Control
• Switch
• Tackle
• Mechanism
• Tool (in the context of controlling or influencing)

Derived terms & idioms

• “Level the playing field” – to make conditions equal between competitors or participants, metaphorically referring to adjusting a physical lever to balance a surface.
• “Leverage” – both as a noun, meaning the use of borrowed funds to increase the return on an investment, and as a verb, meaning to utilize something to its greatest effect or gain an advantage.

Example Sentences

• Physical lever: “She pushed down hard on the lever to open the heavy door.”
• Metaphorical usage: “His experience working in finance gave him considerable leverage when negotiating deals.”