jemmy

USAGE SUMMARY

"jemmy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an instrument used for breaking into and entering a building, or as a verb meaning to break into a building using such an instrument. For example: "The burglar used a jemmy to gain access to the house."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Music

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

The Paris "knights of the jemmy" seem to have abandoned their burglaries in suburban villas and to have found a new and more lucrative field of operations in the wealthy residential quarters of the city.

The New York Times

Well, he was a liar and a thief who used charm as his jemmy to break into my parents' house and steal their most treasured possession, which was me.

The Guardian

This is the fence and this the gold, the jemmy, the knife, the Browning gun, and this is Whitechapel and it's done for Stinie.

The Guardian - Books

She can think herself lucky it wasn't Danny DeVito cracking her pod open and coyly hiding the jemmy behind his back.

The Guardian - Film

One of the men then clambered through the tiny hole to jemmy open 73 of the 550 safe deposit boxes, which they ransacked.

The Guardian

In his central aria, "Sois immobile" ("Remain motionless"), not only does he seem to be imploring Jemmy to stay in place; he also seems to be trying to halt the passage of time.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Sledge hammers and jemmies would also be brought from home to execute search warrants, as this type of equipment was not issued.

The Guardian

It is a great slab of a book and a constant source of inspiration, jemmied full of anecdotes, quotes, paintings, photographs and found objects.

The Guardian - Books

After four days, he jemmied open the door of a lorry parked in a nearby industrial zone and climbed inside with six other Eritreans.

The Guardian

This tragic understanding of history, though, does take a fair bit of jemmying in to the mostly breezy chapter on learning to ride a bicycle.

The Guardian - Books

Each author or artist is allowed space to breathe, never jemmied into a category.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "jemmy" to describe a tool, ensure the context clearly indicates the act of prying or forced entry. For example, 'The thief used a "jemmy" to open the window.'

Common error

Avoid using "jemmy" in contexts where a more precise tool name is appropriate if the action does not strictly involve prying. Using the term too loosely dilutes its specific meaning.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "jemmy" is as a noun, referring to a tool used for prying, or as a verb, describing the action of using such a tool. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically correct. Examples in Ludwig illustrate both uses in news and literature.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Music

12%

Books

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "jemmy" functions primarily as a noun referring to a tool used for prying or a verb describing the action of using that tool. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. Usage examples from news media and literature highlight its common occurrence, while the name "Jemmy" carries a different, more informal connotation. To avoid misinterpretations, ensure the context clarifies whether you are referring to the tool, the action, or a person. Alternatives like "pry bar" or "break into" can be used for clarity depending on the situation. Be careful to avoid using it in place of other more suitable tools names.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

jimmy bar

This alternative is a synonym referring to the tool, emphasizing its function.

pry bar

This alternative refers to the specific tool used for prying, focusing on its physical characteristic.

crowbar

This alternative is another common name for a metal tool used for prying things open.

lever open

This alternative describes using leverage to open something.

force open

This alternative is a verb phrase that describes the action of using force to open something.

pry

This alternative is a shorter verb form indicating the action of forcing something open.

break into

This alternative describes the act of illegally entering a building, often involving the use of force.

burglar's tool

This alternative specifies the tool's association with burglary.

coax open

This alternative refers to a gentle, more subtle forced entry.

name Jemmy

This alternative refers to the use of the word "jemmy" as a given name.

FAQs

How is "jemmy" typically used in a sentence?

Typically, "jemmy" is used either as a noun to refer to a tool used for prying or as a verb meaning to force something open with such a tool. For example: "The burglar used a "jemmy"", or "He "jemmied" the lock".

What are some alternative words for "jemmy" when referring to a tool?

When referring to the tool, you can use alternatives like "crowbar" or "pry bar". The specific choice depends on the context and the exact type of tool.

Is it correct to use "jemmy" as a verb?

Yes, it is correct to use "jemmy" as a verb, meaning to force something open with a "jemmy". For instance, "He "jemmied" the door open" is a valid and understandable usage.

In what contexts might the name "jemmy" be used?

The name "Jemmy" can be a nickname for James or Jeremy. Historical figures like Jemmy Madison are examples. Ensure the context makes it clear you are referring to a person, not the tool.