pry back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pry back" is not a standard expression in written English and may not be widely recognized.
It could be used in a context where someone is trying to retrieve or regain something that was taken or lost, but it may not be clear to all readers. Example: "After the argument, I had to pry back my trust in him, piece by piece."

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

They used pieces of metal to pry back showerheads in their cells.

The New York Times

In Romm's hands, anger becomes an instrument for pursuing truth, an extremely effective crowbar with which to pry back nicety and expose "something unfettered, something darker".

The New York Times - Books

Using a small screwdriver, pry back the tabs keeping the board down, and pop the board out.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The changes sweeping Egypt and the Arab world make it more, not less, urgent that the rapidly closing window for a two-state solution be pried back open.

The New Yorker

But that rhetoric had been bolstered by Labor's attack on the paid parental leave cuts, which pried back open the "unfairness" theme.

The Guardian - Opinion

Now that Russia's back in the game, the Ukraine has already pried back, the Black Sea is once again their bathtub, Turkey is more Islamic than secularly NATO, and this administration is treating allies like the plague, the entire post-war landscape is up for grabs.

Forbes

It wasn't until a U2 concert in high school that my eyes were pried back open to the crisis of extreme poverty and global AIDS by an Irish rock star named Bono.

Huffington Post

Freakishly Light Ultralight TV Don't let the high style and Rolex logo fool you: it weighs only 3.6 pounds, sure, but pry the back off and learn why: there's nothing inside that faux rosewood cabinet but echoes!

The New York Times

Whenever you use a cash machine or visit a secure website, it is huge prime numbers that encrypt your information and make it extremely difficult for anyone else to pry it back out of the electronic cipher.

The Guardian

He jammed together the surgical and the scientific products sales teams, and then had to pry them back apart a few months later.

Forbes

Hitchen and Butterfield stood in the corridor, trying to pry it back open.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pry back", ensure the context clearly indicates the object being forced or retrieved is being returned to a previous state or position. Clarity is key due to the phrase's relative uncommonness.

Common error

Avoid using "pry back" when simply opening something without the implication of returning it to a previous position. For example, it's incorrect to say "I pried back the door" if the door wasn't previously closed or partially closed; instead use "I opened the door."

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "pry back" functions primarily to describe the action of using force or leverage to open something or return it to a prior position. This is supported by Ludwig examples involving tools and physical objects. Ludwig AI identifies this as acceptable, though not standard, usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pry back" is a phrasal verb describing a forceful action to open or retrieve something, often with an implication of difficulty. Ludwig identifies its grammatical status as acceptable, though it is relatively uncommon. When using "pry back", ensure clarity in the context and consider alternatives like "force open" or "lever open" if a more common expression is desired. As the Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is more often encountered in news and media, and in wiki contexts. Always prioritize clarity in your writing and select the phrase that best suits your specific message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

force open

Focuses on the action of forcibly opening something, similar to prying.

lever open

Emphasizes using leverage to open or move something.

wrench back

Suggests a forceful twisting motion to retrieve something.

snatch back

Implies a quick and aggressive retrieval.

claw back

Suggests a difficult or desperate attempt to recover something.

retrieve

A more formal synonym for getting something back.

regain

Emphasizes recovering something that was lost.

reclaim

Highlights the act of taking something back that was rightfully yours.

wrest back

Conveys a struggle to regain control or possession.

prise open

Focuses on the action of opening with difficulty.

FAQs

What does "pry back" mean?

"Pry back" generally means to force something open or retrieve something, often with difficulty, and implies returning it to a previous position or state. It suggests using leverage or force to achieve this.

What can I say instead of "pry back"?

You can use alternatives like "force open", "lever open", or "wrench back" depending on the context.

Is "pry back" grammatically correct?

While not a very common expression, "pry back" is grammatically acceptable as a phrasal verb. However, ensure its usage is clear and appropriate for the context.

How can I use "pry back" in a sentence?

Example: "They used pieces of metal to "pry back" showerheads in their cells."