jimmy bar

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "jimmy bar" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a tool used for prying open doors or windows, often in the context of breaking and entering or locksmithing. Example: "The burglar used a jimmy bar to gain access to the locked building."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Even a solid door with a sturdy lock will yield to the pressure of a jimmy bar if the surrounding frame is weak; most of them are.

The New York Times

This extra lumber will brace the jamb and prevent a burglar from pushing it away from the lock with a jimmy bar.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Between full-time in Origin I and kickoff in Origin II at the MCG last night it was almost as if NSW weren't the reigning Origin champions, that they hadn't, just the previous year, jimmy-barred the shield from Queensland's grip after eight long years of trying.

The Guardian - Sport

But Jimmy Glenn, the boxing trainer who owns Jimmy's Corner, a bar on West 44th Street, said that insurance could not cover all his losses.

The New York Times

A tip for admirers: most Sundays, after the late performance, Walker heads to a bar called Jimmy's No. 43, on East Seventh Street, where he hosts a free comedy/variety show called "Find the Funny".

The New Yorker

JIMMY ARMSTRONG'S SALOON looks like any other neighborhood bar, with a few arty touches thrown in: lots of dark, polished wood, stained glass, carvings and paintings that you can barely make out in the dim light.

The New York Times - Food

I went with a girlfriend to check out the hearth at Jimmy, the hotel's rooftop bar.

The New York Times - Food

Afterward he suggests a bar stop at Jimmy's Corner (on West 44th Street), which Mr. Stark calls "old and deeply local".

The New York Times

At the Claddagh Oyster House in Charlottetown one night, I watched the woman tending bar pause to jimmy open a dozen oysters.

The New York Times

Two decades ago, he was a member of a famously mercurial Los Angeles bar band, Top Jimmy and the Rhythm Pigs.

Los Angeles Times

There are some shots of hands playing with beads, filmed at Jimmy's Corner, the midtown boxing bar.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about security measures, use "jimmy bar" to specifically denote a tool used for forced entry. This provides a more precise image than using general terms like "lever" or "pry bar".

Common error

Avoid using "jimmy bar" interchangeably with any prying tool. It refers specifically to a small crowbar. Using it too broadly dilutes its meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "jimmy bar" functions primarily as a noun, specifically referring to a tool. It is often used in contexts describing security, burglary, or construction, as seen in the Ludwig examples. Ludwig AI confirms that it's a valid and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "jimmy bar" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a specific type of prying tool. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English. Although relatively rare in occurrence, it is most frequently found in news and media contexts. While alternatives like "crowbar" and "pry bar" exist, "jimmy bar" provides a more precise and sometimes evocative description, particularly in discussions of security or forced entry. When using the phrase, ensure it aligns with the specific meaning of a small, easily portable crowbar to avoid confusion with larger tools or general prying actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

jemmy

British English term for a short crowbar, nearly synonymous but with regional variation.

crowbar

Refers to a similar tool, but is a more general term and can refer to larger and heavier tools.

pry bar

A more generic term for any bar used for prying, including smaller tools than a typical "jimmy bar".

lever

Describes the general principle, not a specific tool, and is broader in application.

wrecking bar

Specifically designed for demolition and may include features beyond simple prying.

flat bar

A type of pry bar that is flat, offering a different leverage point and often used for smaller tasks.

nail puller

While it can pry, its primary function is nail removal, limiting its similarity.

prying tool

A general term encompassing various tools used for prying, lacking the specificity of "jimmy bar".

force entry tool

Focuses on the purpose rather than the tool itself; broader category.

entry tool

A very general term, useful in specific contexts like security or rescue.

FAQs

What is a "jimmy bar" used for?

A "jimmy bar" is typically used as a lever to force open doors or windows, often by burglars or locksmiths. It is a small crowbar designed for prying.

What is another name for a "jimmy bar"?

A "jimmy bar" is commonly referred to as a "crowbar" or "pry bar", although a crowbar may be larger and heavier.

How effective is a "jimmy bar" against a strong door?

The effectiveness of a "jimmy bar" depends on the strength of the door and frame. A solid door with a weak frame can still be forced open with a "jimmy bar", as noted by Ludwig.

Is it legal to own a "jimmy bar"?

Owning a "jimmy bar" is legal, but possessing one with the intent to commit a crime, such as burglary, is illegal. The context of its possession is crucial.