guindaste, moitão, guincho
1. A mechanical device with a rope or cable wound around a rotating drum, used to pull or hoist heavy objects
The tow truck used a winch to pull the car out of the ditch.
O caminhão de reboque usou um guincho para puxar o carro para fora da vala.
2. To pull or hoist something using a winch (verb)
They had to winch the boat onto the shore.
Eles tiveram que enrolar o barco na costa com o guincho.
3. A crank or handle used to turn a wheel or shaft
He turned the winch to raise the flag up the pole.
Ele girou o moitão para içar a bandeira no mastro.
In Brazil, 'guincho' is predominantly used in automotive and towing contexts, while 'guindaste' refers to industrial cranes. The word 'winch' is essential in maritime, construction, and vehicle recovery industries across both American and Brazilian English-speaking regions. In Portugal and older Brazilian maritime traditions, 'moitão' maintains its historical significance in nautical terminology.
Related Idioms & Phrases
winch something out of someone - to extract information or money reluctantly
winch up - to pull up with effort
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