lever

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lev|er /l'iːvər; AM also l'ev-/ (levers levering levered)
1 [N-COUNT]
A lever is a handle or bar that is attached to a piece of machinery and which you push or pull in order to operate the machinery.
Push the tiny lever on the lock...
The taps have a lever to control the mix of hot and cold water.
see also gear lever
2 [N-COUNT]
A lever is a long bar, one end of which is placed under a heavy object so that when you press down on the other end you can move the object.
3 [VERB] V n with adj, V n adv/prep
If you lever something in a particular direction, you move it there, especially by using a lot of effort.
Neighbours eventually levered open the door with a crowbar...
Insert the fork about 6in. from the root and simultaneously lever it backwards...
4 [N-COUNT]
A lever is an idea or action that you can use to make people do what you want them to do, rather than what they want to do.
Radical, militant factions want to continue using the hostages as a lever to gain concessions from the west.gear lev|er (gear levers)
or gear stick
[N-COUNT]
A gear lever or a gear stick is the lever that you use to change gear in a car or other vehicle. (BRIT; in AM, usually use gearshift)

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