Noun
/ˈliːd tɔːŋz/
"Lead tongs" refer to a specialized tool used for gripping and handling hot lead or other heavy materials. These tools are commonly employed in metalworking, particularly in casting and the production of lead components. The frequency of use is relatively moderate, primarily found in specialized contexts such as industrial settings or metalworking environments rather than in everyday conversation. Lead tongs are more likely to be found in written contexts, such as manuals and industrial blogs, but may also be addressed orally in instructional work or discussions about metalworking.
To safely move the molten lead, the workers used lead tongs.
Translation: Para mover la plomo fundido de manera segura, los trabajadores utilizaron pinzas para plomo.
The blacksmith explained how to properly use lead tongs when working with hot metals.
Translation: El herrero explicó cómo utilizar correctamente las pinzas para plomo al trabajar con metales calientes.
Without lead tongs, it would be dangerous to handle the hot lead during the casting process.
Translation: Sin pinzas para plomo, sería peligroso manejar el plomo caliente durante el proceso de fundición.
Although "lead tongs" as a phrase does not commonly appear in idiomatic expressions, it is worth mentioning that lead and tongs are parts of various expressions. Here are some valuable idiomatic uses of "lead" and "tongs" as individual words:
Lead the way: To show others how to get to a place.
Example: She will lead the way to the new project site.
Translation: Ella guiará el camino hacia el nuevo sitio del proyecto.
Lead by example: To demonstrate appropriate behavior for others to follow.
Example: As a manager, it’s important to lead by example in the workplace.
Translation: Como gerente, es importante predicar con el ejemplo en el lugar de trabajo.
Lead someone on: To mislead someone into believing something that is not true.
Example: He led her on with false promises.
Translation: Él la engañó con falsas promesas.
Caught between a rock and a hard place: In a difficult situation with no easy solution, sometimes requiring tongs for careful handling.
Example: She felt caught between a rock and a hard place with two job offers.
Translation: Se sintió atrapada entre la espada y la pared con dos ofertas de trabajo.
Stick out like a sore thumb: To be very noticeable or out of place, requiring a great deal of care (like when using tongs to handle delicate items).
Example: That old car sticks out like a sore thumb in our new neighborhood.
Translation: Ese coche viejo destaca como un dedo adolorido en nuestro nuevo vecindario.
The term "lead" comes from Old English "lædan," meaning to guide or bring. This is related to the Latin "plumbum," which refers to lead as a material. "Tongs" originate from the Old English "tang," meaning to grasp, from the Proto-Germanic "*tangō," indicating a tool for gripping or holding.
Synonyms:
1. Grippers
2. Pliers
3. Clamps
Antonyms:
1. Release
2. Discard
3. Let go