English Reference
Idiom idiom

necker's knob


Synonym of Brodie knob.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

He installed a necker's knob to make steering easier.

You spin the necker's knob to turn the forklift quickly in the warehouse.

CONTEXTUAL

The driver attached a necker's knob to the steering wheel to help him maneuver the heavy truck through tight city streets.

Because she only has the use of one arm, the mechanic fitted a necker's knob so she can safely turn the car while parking.

The old bus driver prefers using a necker's knob because it reduces the strain on his wrists during long shifts behind the wheel.

COMPLEX

While the vintage tractor lacked modern power steering, the addition of a worn necker's knob allowed the farmer to navigate the uneven fields with surprising precision.


The term originates from the humorous suggestion that the steering wheel attachment allows a driver to operate the vehicle with a single hand, thereby leaving the other arm free to provide romantic attention to a companion. This manual convenience reportedly facilitates the act of necking while in motion, a social arrangement which evidently prioritized the passenger’s comfort over the driver’s adherence to standard safety protocols.


Related idioms1entry
  1. 01

    ginger knob

    A male redhead; a ginger-haired male.

Last updated August 10, 2026