cliquet
The English word 'ratchet' can be translated into French as cliquet.
cliquet is a noun referring to a mechanical device composed of a ratchet wheel and a pawl.
Meaning: mechanism composed of a ratchet wheel and pawl (noun)
Did you know?
- In a figurative sense, cliquet can appear in the term effet de cliquet, which describes a social or economic situation that cannot return to a previous state.
- In old French theater and carnival traditions, a cliquet was a noisy rattle used to wake people up or attract attention in the streets.
- The word cliquet is an onomatopoeia derived from the sound 'clic', mimicking the sharp noise a ratchet makes when it locks.
Examples in context
- Le cliquet est cassé.The ratchet is broken.
- Il faut nettoyer le cliquet.The ratchet needs to be cleaned.
- Je cherche un cliquet neuf.I am looking for a new ratchet.
Example conversation
Gabriel is trying to fix a bicycle in the garage.
- ManonGabriel, tu as besoin d'aide ?Gabriel, do you need help?
- GabrielOui, le cliquet ne tourne plus.Yes, the ratchet isn't turning anymore.
- ManonC'est peut-être coincé par la saleté.Maybe it is stuck due to dirt.
- GabrielJe vais essayer de le nettoyer.I will try to clean it.
