# lever

/ˈɫɛvɝ/ (US) · /lˈiːvɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/lever
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. mechanical tool

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

a long bar or tool that you push or pull against a fixed point to lift something heavy.

For teachers: a rigid bar resting on a pivot, used to help move a heavy or fixed load with one end when pressure is applied to the other.

- We used a long metal lever to lift the heavy rock out of the garden.
- The workers used a steel lever to pry the rusted lid off the container, applying steady pressure to the fulcrum.

### 2. control handle

noun · CEFR B2

a handle that you move to operate a machine or a piece of equipment.

For teachers: a handle or bar used to operate or control a mechanism.

- Pull the lever on the side of the seat to lean back.
- The pilot pulled the emergency lever, instantly deploying the landing gear as the aircraft approached the runway.

### 3. to move with force

verb · CEFR B2

to move something by using a tool or by using a lot of physical force.

For teachers: to lift or move something with a lever or as if with one.

- He managed to lever the window open with a screwdriver.
- The rescue team had to lever the fallen beam off the trapped vehicle using hydraulic equipment.

### 4. to use as an advantage

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to use something you have, like money or influence, to get what you want.

For teachers: to use a quality or resource to achieve a desired effect or to gain a strategic advantage.

- The company tried to lever its famous name to enter the new market.
- The diplomat sought to lever the country's natural resources to secure a more favourable trade agreement during the negotiations.

### 5. to increase debt

verb · CEFR C2 · Technical · British English

to use borrowed money to increase the potential return on an investment.

For teachers: to increase the proportion of debt to equity in the financing of a business or investment.

- The firm decided to lever the acquisition to maximize their future profits.
- The private equity group chose to highly lever the company, significantly increasing its debt obligations in hopes of rapid expansion.

Usage: Commonly used in British English where American English prefers 'leverage'.

## Examples

- Pull the lever to start the machine.
- The mechanic used a long metal lever to pry the rusted wheel off the axle.
- Archimedes famously claimed that with a long enough lever and a place to stand, he could move the entire world.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.