nail clippers

Definitions

1. A mechanical device used to trim fingernails and toenails.
   plural, plural-only
2. A mechanical device used to trim animals' claws.
   plural, plural-only

Equivalents

Examples

“After their argument, Sprewell showed enormous restraint and presence of mind⟳ by not whipping out a pair of nail clippers and trimming his coach’s fingernails – an act for which he could have⟳ been seriously punished.”

“You know⟳ how you get⟳ those little fuzz balls on new carpet? With an instrument that looked like⟳ a normal-sized shaving razor this woman was rubbing the carpet to pull⟳ up the fuzz balls. This is a huge hotel, with lots of carpet. That’s like⟳ mowing three football fields with a pair of nail clippers.”

“Anyway, I grabbed a nail clipper (or is it a pair of nail clippers or is nailclipper one word?) I applied the clippers to the offending alpha-keratin and squeezed.”

“You’ll definitely need⟳ a pair of nail clippers, a cuticle pusher and a nail file⟳; depending on how thorough you want⟳ to get⟳, you’ll also need⟳ a dry foot file⟳, exfoliating scrub and moisturizer. If you really want⟳ to treat⟳ yourself, have⟳ a foot basin filled with warm water ready. Don’t skimp when it comes to the nail clippers and cuticle pusher.”

CEFR level