ENGLISH
REFERENCE

tongs

n. plural-only
B1 Intermediate US //ˈtɑŋz// UK //tˈɒŋz// tongs

n. a tool with two long arms that you use to pick up or move things, especially hot food. You often use them in the kitchen to handle meat or seafood.

n. a pair of long, hinged arms used for grasping, lifting, or turning objects, particularly in culinary or industrial contexts. Often used for handling items that are too hot or sharp to touch directly.


SIMPLE

Use tongs to turn the steaks on the grill.

CONTEXTUAL

The chef reached for a pair of heavy-duty tongs to safely move the large, hot pan from the oven to the cooling rack.

COMPLEX

While modern kitchens offer various gadgets, many professional chefs still prefer using tongs for their versatility in flipping delicate fish fillets or managing heavy-duty barbecue items without losing grip.

Origin

tong ("tool for manipulating things in a fire") + -s

Idioms1 entry

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