wrench open

[/rentʃ ˈoʊpən/]
verb (phrasal)
abrir à força; forçar a abertura de
1. To open something forcefully by twisting or pulling with sudden, violent effort
He wrenched open the stuck door with all his strength.
Ele forçou a abertura da porta travada com toda a sua força.
2. To pull or twist something open abruptly, often causing damage
She wrenched open the rusted gate.
Ela abriu à força o portão enferrujado.
3. To obtain or extract something with difficulty through forceful action
They wrenched open the sealed container to see what was inside.
Eles forçaram a abertura do recipiente selado para ver o que havia dentro.
This phrase is commonly used in both American English and Brazilian Portuguese to describe the forceful opening of doors, containers, or gates. In Brazil, it's frequently used in construction, maintenance, and everyday situations involving stuck or jammed items. The term carries a sense of urgency and physical effort.
NYC Slang
yank it open; rip it open
Synonyms / Sinônimos
force openpry opentear openyank openjerk open
Antonyms / Antônimos
close gentlysealsecure

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
abrir à força; forçar a abertura de
Standard translation used throughout Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
abrir no jeito; forçar pra abrir
More colloquial regional variant
São Paulo
abrir à força; rompê
Urban usage, sometimes shortened
Portugal
arrancar; abrir à força
Portuguese European variant using 'arrancar'

Related Words

wrenchpulltwistforceleverprybreak open

Related Idioms & Phrases

wrench open one's heart (figurative: to force someone to reveal their feelings)
wrench open a can of worms (figurative: to create unforeseen problems)
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