lever
[/ˈlevər/ or /ˈliːvər/]
noun, verbpl: levers
alavanca
1. A rigid bar used to move or lift something by resting it on a pivot point (fulcrum)
He used a lever to pry open the door.
Ele usou uma alavanca para forçar a porta.
2. A handle or arm that operates machinery or equipment
Pull the lever to start the machine.
Puxe a alavanca para iniciar a máquina.
3. A means of achieving an end or exerting influence
Education is a powerful lever for social change.
A educação é uma poderosa alavanca para a mudança social.
4. To move or lift something using a lever (verb)
She levered the box up with a crowbar.
Ela alavancou a caixa com um pé de cabra.
5. To use influence or pressure to achieve something (verb, figurative)
He tried to lever more funding from the board.
Ele tentou conseguir mais financiamento da diretoria.
In both American English and Brazilian Portuguese, 'lever' and 'alavanca' are used literally in mechanical and construction contexts, but also extensively in business and finance terminology. The term 'leverage' (alavancagem) is fundamental to financial discussions in both cultures. In Portuguese-speaking countries, the term maintains strong associations with mechanical advantage due to the influence of engineering and physics terminology.
Related Idioms & Phrases
leverage (noun form) - to use something as a means of gaining advantage
have leverage - to have power or influence over a situation
move heaven and earth - similar figurative concept of using great effort
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