What does "tackle" mean?

1. (to deal with a problem) to start dealing with a difficult task or problem in a determined way. 2. (to stop an opponent) to try to take the ball away from another player or knock them down in a game. 3. (a sports move) an act of trying to take the ball or stop a player in sports. 4. (fishing equipment) the tools and equipment used for fishing, like rods, hooks, and lines. 5. (lifting equipment) a system of ropes and wheels used for lifting heavy objects.

How do you use "tackle"?

Often used with abstract nouns like 'issue', 'problem', 'challenge', or 'crisis'. Transitive verb taking the player or the ball as the direct object. Usually uncountable when referring to fishing gear.

tackle

v. · n.

US //ˈtækəɫ// UK //tˈækəl// tack·le

1 to deal with a problem (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

to start dealing with a difficult task or problem in a determined way.

to undertake a task or confront a problem with significant effort or determination.

Example

The government needs to tackle the problem of rising house prices soon.

Example

The new CEO promised to tackle the systemic inefficiencies that had plagued the manufacturing division for over a decade.

Usage

Often used with abstract nouns like 'issue', 'problem', 'challenge', or 'crisis'.
2 to stop an opponent (v.)
B1 Intermediate Sport

to try to take the ball away from another player or knock them down in a game.

to intercept an opponent in a contact sport to seize the ball or halt their progress.

Example

The defender managed to tackle the striker just before he could shoot.

Example

He was penalized for an illegal slide tackle that caught the opponent's ankle instead of the ball.

Usage

Transitive verb taking the player or the ball as the direct object.
- challenge
- intercept

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3 a sports move (n.)
B1 Intermediate Sport

an act of trying to take the ball or stop a player in sports.

the act of physically challenging or stopping an opponent in sports like football or rugby.

Example

That was a great tackle that saved the team from losing a goal.

Example

The referee reviewed the replay to determine if the tackle was made with excessive force.
- challenge
- block
4 fishing equipment (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Cooking

the tools and equipment used for fishing, like rods, hooks, and lines.

the collective equipment used in angling, including rods, reels, and lures.

Example

He spent the morning cleaning his fishing tackle before the trip to the lake.

Example

The shop specializes in high-end fly-fishing tackle, catering to serious enthusiasts who travel internationally for the sport.

Usage

Usually uncountable when referring to fishing gear.
5 lifting equipment (n.)
C2 Proficiency Technical Science

a system of ropes and wheels used for lifting heavy objects.

an assembly of ropes and blocks used to gain a mechanical advantage for lifting or pulling.

Example

The sailors used a block and tackle to lift the heavy sail into place.

Example

The construction crew rigged a complex tackle to hoist the generator onto the roof of the building.

Teacher's tip

Commonly found in the fixed phrase 'block and tackle'.

Origin

From Middle English takel (“gear, apparatus”), from Middle Dutch or Middle Low German takel (“ship's rigging”), perhaps related to Middle Dutch taken (“to grasp, seize”). Akin to Danish takkel (“tackle”), Swedish tackel (“tackle”). More at take.

Idioms1 entry

01
laughing tackle
Teeth.