pry open

USAGE SUMMARY

"pry open" is a valid phrase to use in written English when you want to describe someone (or something) levering open a door, lid, window, etc.
For example: "The burglar used a crowbar to pry open the safe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yet Adams will likely pry open his wallet for Fisher.

The New York Times - Sports

"See how it's working to pry open the leaf bud of the ohia?" he whispered.

The New York Times - Travel

Ms. White's predecessors have wrangled with Congress for years, seeking to pry open its purse strings.

The New York Times

Gifted with a particular sensitivity and method, a theorist can pry open the world.

The New Yorker

Those metal doors were too hot to pry open when the fire raged hours later.

The New York Times

And a semiconductor trade agreement helped pry open the Japanese market.

The New York Times

THE latest battle to pry open Europe's closed corporations may be the most difficult yet.

The New York Times

"The special interests who want to pry open more loopholes in the tax code?

The New York Times

Then, in January, somebody decided to pry open the top and peek inside.

The New York Times

They ply you with booze and pry open your deepest secrets.

The Guardian

I figured I might be able to pry open the glove compartment.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pry open" when describing a situation where force or leverage is required to open something that is stuck or sealed. It often implies some difficulty or resistance.

Common error

Avoid using "pry open" metaphorically when a more appropriate verb like "reveal", "uncover", or "explore" would better suit the context. "Pry open" is best reserved for physical actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pry open" functions as a transitive phrasal verb, requiring both a subject performing the action and an object being acted upon. It describes the action of using force or leverage to open something, often implying resistance or difficulty, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Wiki

33%

Science

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pry open" is a commonly used phrasal verb describing the act of using force or leverage to open something, often implying resistance. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and appears frequently across various sources, particularly in news and media and on wiki platforms. While versatile, it's best reserved for describing physical actions and might require more formal alternatives in academic or professional settings. Remember to reserve "pry open" for scenarios involving physical force and consider context when choosing alternatives like "force open" or "lever open". Its frequent use in diverse sources attests to its widespread acceptance and understanding in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prise open

A synonym emphasizing the action of levering something open.

force open

Focuses on the application of force to achieve the opening.

lever open

Highlights the use of leverage as a technique to open something.

wedge open

Implies inserting a wedge to create an opening.

jimmy open

Implies using a tool, often improvised, to manipulate the opening mechanism.

wrench open

Suggests a sudden and forceful twisting motion to open something.

break open

Indicates a more destructive method of opening, potentially damaging the object.

crack open

Describes a partial or initial opening, often involving a cracking sound.

burst open

Suggests a sudden and forceful opening, often due to internal pressure.

pop open

Implies a quick and often effortless opening, like a lid or container.

FAQs

How is "pry open" used in a sentence?

"Pry open" is used to describe using force or leverage to open something. For example, "He used a crowbar to "pry open" the locked door".

What are some alternatives to "pry open"?

Alternatives include "force open", "lever open", or "jimmy open" depending on the specific context and the tool being used.

Is it ever incorrect to use "pry open"?

While grammatically correct, using "pry open" in a metaphorical sense can sound awkward. It's best reserved for situations involving physical force. Consider alternatives like "reveal" or "uncover" when discussing abstract concepts.

What does "pry open" imply about the action of opening?

"Pry open" implies that the object being opened is either tightly sealed, stuck, or locked, requiring effort and possibly a tool to open it. It suggests more force than simply "opening" something.