A rigid bar used to lift or move something by applying force at one point and pivoting on a fulcrum.
I lifted the heavy stone using a lever.
driving force; instrument; helper
Figurative use: a person or thing that acts as a catalyst, tool, or assistant to bring about a result. Sense 3 (assistant/helper) is a natural extension of this instrumental meaning.
I intend to use this failure as a lever for growth.
His proposal became the driving force behind the project's success.
She works actively as the president's right-hand person.
Once he makes up his mind, he won't budge no matter what.
They used the principle of leverage to move the heavy rock.
Usually written in kana; the kanji forms 梃子 and 梃 are rare.
Katakana spelling, sometimes used for emphasis or in technical contexts.
Kanji form; rarely used in modern writing.
Abbreviated kanji form; very rare.
The origin is uncertain. The kanji 梃子 are ateji (phonetic equivalents) and do not reflect the word's derivation.