screw
screw — verb
1. to fix or attach an object to a surface or to another object by turning a screw
to fix or attach an object to a surface or to another object by turning a screw through it with a tool such as a screwdriver or drill.
Bilal screwed the wooden shelf onto the wall with four long screws.
screw + noun + onto + surface
Abigail carefully screwed the broken handle back onto the old cupboard door.
The metal sign was screwed directly into the brick wall next to the entrance.
passive: be screwed into
Lauren screwed the hinge into the door frame before hanging the new door.
Eli needed a power drill to screw the bracket into the concrete floor.
screw + noun + into + hard surface
- screw something to the wall
- screw something onto the frame
- screw something into wood / metal / plastic
- screw in place / into position
Grammar Patterns
screw + noun + to/onto + surface
screw + noun + into + surface
Usage Note
The object being attached usually has pre-drilled holes or the screw creates its own hole as it goes in. Common tools for this action are screwdrivers and power drills. The preposition that follows indicates the surface ('into', 'onto', 'to').
Common Mistakes
2. to push a thin, pointed object into a surface or container by turning it round a
to push a thin, pointed object into a surface or container by turning it round and round, using a motion like that of a screw.
Dewi screwed the corkscrew into the cork and pulled it out gently.
screw + corkscrew + into + cork
Anjali screwed the metal hook into the ceiling to hang the plant pot.
Andrés screwed the auger bit into the wood to drill a narrow hole.
Erik screwed the light bulb into the socket until it felt snug and secure.
screw + light bulb + into + socket
- screw a hook into the ceiling
- screw a bulb into the socket
- screw a corkscrew into the cork
- screw a tap / nozzle into place
Grammar Patterns
screw + noun + into + noun
Usage Note
Used when the inserted object has threads or a spiral shape, or when a turning motion is the main method of insertion. The object being screwed in is typically something like a corkscrew, hook, bulb, or tap — not a standard screw.
Common Mistakes
3. If something with a thread (like a screw or a lid) screws in or together, it bec
If something with a thread (like a screw or a lid) screws in or together, it becomes fixed in place by being turned.
The lid of the jar screws on tightly if you turn it all the way.
intransitive: screw on
Beatrix checked whether the lamp base screws into the stand without tools.
The two metal pipes screw together with a simple turning motion.
intransitive: screw together
The cap will not screw on properly because the bottle threads are damaged.
Yasmin found that the new filter screws easily into the kitchen tap.
screw + easily / tightly — adverbial modifier
- screw on / screw together
- screw into place
- screw easily / tightly / firmly
- screw into the base / stand / socket
- come loose
opposite of becoming fixed by turning
- unscrew
to become detached by turning in reverse — also intransitive: 'The lid unscrews easily.'
Grammar Patterns
screw + adverb (on / together / in)
screw + preposition + noun
Usage Note
This sense is intransitive — the object itself is the grammatical subject and the action happens to it. Common particles are 'on' (for caps and lids), 'together' (for connecting parts), and 'in' / 'into' (for fittings). This is the only screw sense where the verb does not take a direct object.
Common Mistakes
4. to pull the skin and muscles around your eyes, mouth, or nose into a tight twist
to pull the skin and muscles around your eyes, mouth, or nose into a tight twisted shape that shows pain, dislike, or strong concentration.
Erik screwed up his face after tasting the sour lemon juice.
screw up one's face
Beatrix screwed her eyes shut against the harsh morning sunlight.
The old man screwed his mouth into a tight line of strong disapproval.
screw one's mouth into [shape]
Bilal screwed up his nose at the terrible smell from the kitchen drain.
Anjali's face was screwed up in concentration as she solved the puzzle.
passive: be screwed up in [emotion]
- screw up one's face / eyes / mouth / nose
- screw one's face into a frown / grimace
- screw one's eyes shut / tight
- face screwed up in pain / concentration / disgust
- scrunch up
informal; suggests a tighter, more compacted expression
- contort
more formal and dramatic; implies a stronger or more painful distortion
- pucker
specific to mouth or lips, usually for a kiss or sour taste
- wince
intransitive; describes a brief, involuntary reaction to pain
Grammar Patterns
screw up + possessive + face / eyes / mouth / nose
be screwed into + expression
Usage Note
Almost always used with 'up' as a phrasal verb ('screw up one's face / eyes / mouth / nose'). The object is a part of the face or the whole face. This sense is the only one where 'screw up' refers to a bodily expression rather than crumpling an object or making a mistake.
Common Mistakes
5. to press paper or fabric roughly between your hands, rolling and crushing it int
to press paper or fabric roughly between your hands, rolling and crushing it into a tight, uneven ball.
Yasmin screwed the letter into a tight ball and dropped it into the bin.
screw + noun + into a ball
Andrés angrily screwed up the paper and tossed it across the room.
phrasal verb: screw up [paper]
The little girl screwed her drawing into a small wrinkled ball.
Abigail screwed the receipt into her pocket without folding it neatly.
Dewi screwed up the wrapping paper and threw it into the recycling bag.
screw up + wrapping paper / fabric
- screw up paper / a letter / a drawing
- screw something into a ball
- screw up wrapping paper / tissue / fabric
- screw something up and throw it away
- smooth out
to remove wrinkles and restore a flat surface
- flatten
to press back into a flat shape
- unfold
to open out what has been folded or crushed
Grammar Patterns
screw + noun + into a ball
screw up + noun (paper / fabric / letter)
Usage Note
The particle 'up' ('screw up') is common but not always required — you can also say 'screw something into a ball'. The object must be flexible enough to be crushed by hand: paper, cloth, tissue, or thin plastic. Not used for hard or rigid objects.
Common Mistakes
6. to attach or close an object with a threaded opening by turning it round and rou
to attach or close an object with a threaded opening by turning it round and round until it fits tightly into or onto its matching part.
Ramón screwed the cap back onto the water bottle before putting it away.
screw + cap/lid + onto + container
Eli screwed the top onto the paint tin and tapped it shut with a hammer.
The metal lid was screwed so tight that no one could open the jar.
passive: be screwed + adjective
Eri carefully screwed the new camera lens onto the body of the camera.
Lauren screwed the shower head onto the hose and turned on the water.
screw + object + onto + hose / pipe
- screw the cap / lid / top onto something
- screw something back on / off
- screw a lens / filter / nozzle onto something
- screw tight / tightly shut
Grammar Patterns
screw + noun + onto + noun (lid onto jar)
screw + noun + on (cap on bottle)
screw + noun + into + noun (filter into tap)
Usage Note
Distinguish this from sense 1: sense 1 involves driving a screw into a surface to attach something, while sense 6 involves turning a threaded object (like a lid, cap, or hose fitting) to connect it to a matching threaded part. The movement is similar but the objects and purpose differ.
Common Mistakes
7. to treat someone dishonestly or unfairly, especially by charging them too much m
to treat someone dishonestly or unfairly, especially by charging them too much money or by using trickery to get an advantage over them.
Hui felt the mechanic had screwed her on the cost of the engine repair.
screw + someone + on [cost/price]
Omar warned Nadia not to let the ticket scalper screw her on the price.
The property agent screwed the young couple by hiding the building's flood history.
screw + someone + by [deceitful action]
Sade discovered that her business partner had screwed her out of thousands of dollars.
screw + someone + out of [money]
- screw someone on
- screw someone out of
- get screwed
Grammar Patterns
screw + someone + on + [price/amount]
screw + someone + out of + [money/benefit]
Usage Note
Strongly informal slang. The object is typically a person who is overcharged or defrauded. Common patterns are 'screw someone on [price/amount]' and 'screw someone out of [money/benefit]'.
Common Mistakes
8. to be sexually involved with another person — a vulgar expression that is widely
to be sexually involved with another person — a vulgar expression that is widely considered offensive and should be avoided in polite conversation.
The office gossip claimed that Otis had screwed a junior staff member during the trip.
slang: screw + someone = have sex with
Valentina's father found her diary entry about screwing her boyfriend — a brutal argument followed.
The film was banned in some countries for showing teenagers screwing in a locker room.
intransitive use: 'characters screwing'
Eitan told his roommate to stop bragging about who he was screwing every weekend.
- screw someone
- be screwing around
- have sex with
neutral, clinical — the register is completely different
- sleep with
informal but not vulgar
- shag
British informal slang, less offensive than 'screw'
Grammar Patterns
screw + someone
be + screwing (continuous for ongoing relationship)
Usage Note
Extremely vulgar and offensive slang, comparable to the English F-word. Rarely used in polite conversation. The context (sexual partner, ongoing relationship) distinguishes this sense from Sense 7 (cheating). Passive ('be screwed') almost never carries this sense — it defaults to the 'cheated' or 'in trouble' meanings.
Common Mistakes
9. to force someone to give you money, property, or a favour by using threats or ap
to force someone to give you money, property, or a favour by using threats or applying extreme pressure.
The landlord screwed an extra month's rent out of Aarav by threatening eviction.
screw [something] + out of [someone] by [threat]
Isabela's ex-boyfriend tried to screw money from her by threatening to share private photos.
screw [money] + from [someone]
The corrupt official screwed bribes out of local business owners by delaying their permits.
Samir's boss screwed a year of unpaid overtime out of him with empty promotion promises.
- screw money out of
- screw a concession out of
- screw bribes out of
Grammar Patterns
screw + [something] + out of + [someone]
Usage Note
Typically follows the pattern 'screw [something] out of someone'. The extracted item is usually money, a concession, or unpaid work. The subject is typically someone with power or leverage over the victim.
Common Mistakes
screw up
phrasal verb(1) To ruin or spoil something by making a mistake. (2) To crumple paper or cloth into a ball. (3) To make someone feel very anxious or unhappy.
Andrés really screwed up the presentation by forgetting the key figures.
Aarav screwed up the note and threw it into the wastepaper basket.
The constant criticism really screwed up the children's confidence at school.
screw over
phrasal verbto cheat, deceive, or treat someone very unfairly, usually for your own gain.
The car dealer totally screwed them over by selling a broken vehicle.
I can't believe my own partner would screw me over like that.
screw around
phrasal verb(1) To waste time or act in a silly, unproductive way. (2) To have casual sexual relationships, especially without commitment.
Stop screwing around and help me finish this report before the deadline.
Mateo was caught screwing around with the neighbor while his wife was away.
screw your eyes up
phrasal verbTo close your eyes tightly, often because of bright light or to see something better.
Diego screwed his eyes up against the bright sun.
She screwed up her eyes to read the small print.
screw your face up
phrasal verbTo twist your face into an expression of pain, disgust, or strong emotion.
The child screwed up his face and started to cry.
When she tasted the lemon, she screwed up her face in disgust.
to be practical and sensible; to have good judgment about things.
I trust Lauren with the budget — she has her head screwed on right.
You need a manager who has his head screwed on straight for this job.
to force yourself to become brave enough to do something difficult or frightening.
Erik screwed up his courage and asked his boss for a raise.
Leila finally screwed up her courage to speak in front of the crowd.
to apply pressure or use threats to force someone to do what you want.
The bank put the screws on the family by demanding full payment at once.
The manager put the screws on the team to finish the project by Friday.
To be a sensible and practical person who makes good decisions.
Maya has her head screwed on the right way and always gives good advice.
Don't worry about Brian; he has his head screwed on and will handle it.
A rude expression used to show that you are angry or do not care about someone or something.
Screw the rules; I'm doing what I think is right.
If he won't help, screw him; we'll do it ourselves.
To force yourself to become brave enough to do something difficult or frightening.
Sara screwed up her courage and asked for a promotion.
I finally screwed up my courage and jumped into the cold water.
screw — noun
1. A pointed metal fastener with a spiral thread, designed to be turned with a scre
A pointed metal fastener with a spiral thread, designed to be turned with a screwdriver so that it holds two pieces of wood or plastic together.
Hassan found a loose screw under the kitchen table and tightened it back into place.
collocation: loose screw; screw + tighten into place
The shelf fell off the wall because Tamar had used nails instead of screws.
contrast: nails vs screws for fixing objects
William picked up a long screw and a screwdriver to fix the broken chair leg.
A few small screws held the back panel of the computer case in place.
passive: held in place by screws
Mert checked the screws on the bicycle rack before loading the bikes onto the car.
- loose screw
- tighten a screw
- cross-head screw
- countersunk screw
- screw hole
Grammar Patterns
a + screw
screw + [preposition] + [object]
Usage Note
Distinguish from nail (smooth, hammered in) and bolt (smooth shaft requiring a nut). Screws create their own thread in the material and are better for wood and plastic.
Common Mistakes
2. The turning movement used to close or fix an object by rotating it into a thread
The turning movement used to close or fix an object by rotating it into a threaded position.
With one final screw of the lid, Nellie sealed the jar of homemade jam.
a screw of [object] — one twisting action
The cap needed another full screw before the water bottle stopped leaking.
Tanvi gave the loose handle a quick screw to keep it from falling off.
give + [object] + a screw
A careful screw of the nozzle connected the hose firmly to the tap.
- give it a screw
- final screw
- tightening screw
Grammar Patterns
give + [object] + a + screw
a + screw + of + [object]
Usage Note
Often appears in the pattern 'give [something] a screw' to mean tighten it by turning. This sense is distinct from Sense 1 — it refers to the action itself, not the metal object.
3. An informal slang term for a guard who works in a prison, used mainly by people
An informal slang term for a guard who works in a prison, used mainly by people inside the prison system.
The screws walked through the cell block every hour, counting the prisoners.
plural: the screws = the prison guards
Ada heard a key turn and knew a screw was coming to check on her.
One of the screws ordered everyone back to their cells after the fight broke out.
Dario whispered that the tall screw was the one you did not want to cross.
a + screw = an individual guard
- the screws
- the head screw
Grammar Patterns
the + screw(s)
a + screw
Usage Note
This is prison slang and should not be used in general or formal conversation about corrections officers. Outside of criminal-justice contexts, readers may misinterpret the word as Sense 1.
Common Mistakes
4. A very informal and offensive word for the physical act between two people havin
A very informal and offensive word for the physical act between two people having sex, or for a person considered in that context as a partner.
The novel's main character said his friends only wanted a good screw for the night.
a good screw = a sexual partner (vulgar)
In the film, the two characters end up having a quick screw in a car.
have a screw = have sex (vulgar)
The comedian's jokes were filled with old-fashioned slang like calling someone an easy screw.
The tabloid article used crude language and talked about celebrities and their latest screws.
plural screws used for referring to sexual partners
- have a screw
- a good screw
- intercourse
neutral/clinical term; appropriate in all registers
- shag
similar vulgarity level; British informal
Grammar Patterns
have a + screw
a + good/great + screw
Usage Note
This is marked as vulgar/offensive. Strongly avoid in any formal, academic, or polite context. Even in informal speech, it can be considered crude. The verb sense (screw someone) is more common than the noun.
Common Mistakes
❌ Using this sense in any setting where polite language is expected. It should be restricted to fiction dialogue, reported speech, or contexts where vulgar slang is explicitly discussed.
5. A historical instrument of torture, also known as thumbscrew, with a metal clamp
A historical instrument of torture, also known as thumbscrew, with a metal clamp and a screw that was tightened slowly to crush the victim's thumb or fingers.
The museum displayed an iron screw from the 1600s with its original handle.
historical context: museum display
During the trial, the accused was threatened with the screw unless he confessed.
Historians describe the screw as one of the most feared devices in medieval torture chambers.
passive: described as; domain: medieval torture
The guide explained how the screw was tightened turn by turn to inflict pain.
passive: was tightened; action sequence: one turn at a time
- the screw
- iron screw
- thumbscrew
the full modern term for this device; much more common than 'screw' alone
Grammar Patterns
the + screw
a + screw
Usage Note
This sense is almost always written as 'thumbscrew' in modern English. The short form 'screw' for this device is rare outside historical texts and crossword puzzles.
6. A set of angled blades that spin rapidly underwater to push a boat or ship forwa
A set of angled blades that spin rapidly underwater to push a boat or ship forward through the water.
The ship's screw got tangled in a fishing net, so the crew stopped the engines.
ship's screw = nautical propeller
Divers inspected the enormous bronze screw at the back of the cargo vessel.
collocation: bronze screw; at the back of [ship]
The ferry's twin screws churned the harbour water into white foam as it departed.
Without a functioning screw, the old fishing boat could not move against the strong current.
- ship's screw
- twin screws
- bronze screw
- propeller
the standard modern term; 'screw' is older and more technical
Grammar Patterns
the + screw
a + screw
ship's + screw
Usage Note
In modern nautical use, 'propeller' is far more common. 'Screw' for this purpose is mainly found in older maritime literature, technical manuals, and naval terminology.
have a screw loose
idiomTo behave in a slightly strange, eccentric, or foolish way; to be somewhat crazy.
Chiara's uncle keeps a collection of garden gnomes in his bathroom — people say he has a screw loose.
Anyone who climbs that wall without a safety rope must have a screw loose.
To use pressure, threats, or force to make someone do what you want them to do.
The landlord put the screws on the tenants by threatening to raise the rent if they complained.
Management really put the screws on the staff to finish the project before the holiday break.
tighten the screws
idiomTo increase pressure or control over someone or a situation, often making conditions stricter or more difficult.
The school tightened the screws on late arrivals by locking the gates after the first bell.
Police have tightened the screws on drunk drivers with higher fines and longer licence bans.
Word family
- screwdrivernounA2
- unscrewverbB2
- screwtopadjectiveC1
- screwballnounC1
- thumbscrewnounC2
- screwyadjectiveC2
Synonym discussion
Sense: noun/1
「screw、bolt、nail、rivet」都是固定物件的金屬零件，但結構和用法不同。Screw（螺絲）表面有螺旋紋，用螺絲起子旋轉鎖入，能在木頭或塑膠中自攻螺紋，適合經常需要拆卸的場合。Bolt（螺栓）桿身光滑，需搭配螺帽（nut）從另一側鎖緊，常用於金屬結構如鋼骨橋樑、機械設備。Nail（釘子）桿身平滑尖銳，用鎚子敲入，靠木材的夾持力固定，施工快速但較不堅固。Rivet（鉚釘）穿過兩個工件後將尾部敲扁變形，形成永久性接合，常用於飛機機身和船舶製造。舉例來說：組裝書櫃時用 screw 鎖緊以便日後調整，搭建鋼架時用 bolt 確保結構強度，釘木板時用 nail 以求快速，而飛機蒙皮則用 rivet 達到永久的氣密接合。
Common collocations
Phrases
- screw something into place
- screw something onto the wall / door / frame
- screw something together
- screw someone out of something
- screw up one's courage
- screw up one's face / eyes / mouth / nose
- put the screws on someone
- tighten the screws
- have a screw loose
- screw something into a ball
Etymology
「screw」源自中古英語 screwe，來自古法語 escroue（「螺母、螺旋狀物件」），可追溯至拉丁語 scrofa（「母豬」），因母豬尾巴呈螺旋狀而得名。原指有螺旋紋路的金屬緊固件，後來延伸出旋轉插入、扭曲臉部、壓榨欺騙等多種用法。