nick

• Ein kleiner Einschnitt oder eine Kerbe an einer Oberfläche; im britischen Slang auch ein Gefängnis oder eine Haftanstalt.

A noun with multiple meanings: a small cut or indentation on a surface; also British slang for a prison.

1. Small cut or notchB1formal

   A small cut, notch, or indentation on a surface, often made accidentally.

   Kleine Kerbe oder Scharte

   • He got a nick on his finger while shaving.
   • There is a small nick in the edge of the table.
   • The knife left a nick in the wooden cutting board.

   Synonymecutdentgashindentationmarknotchscorescratchsnick

2. Prison (British slang)B2slangbritish

   A slang term for a prison or police station.

   Gefängnis (britischer Slang)

   • He spent a few years in the nick for robbery.
   • The thief was taken down to the nick for questioning.
   • They put him in the nick for the night.

   Synonymeclinkgaoljaillockupslammer

3. Impression from a blowB1formal

   A small dent or mark left on a surface by a sharp impact or blow.

   Delle

   • The hammer left a nick in the metal plate.
   • A nick appeared on the car door after the accident.
   • The stone made a nick in the window glass.

   Synonymechipcutdentdingindentationmarknotchscratch

• Umgangssprachlich: etwas (meist Kleines oder Wertloses) stehlen; außerdem: jemanden festnehmen oder verhaften.

A verb meaning to steal something, typically in a casual or petty manner, or to arrest someone.

1. Cut slightlyB1formal

   To make a small, shallow cut or notch on a surface, often accidentally with a sharp tool like a razor.

   Leicht schneiden

   • He nicked his chin while shaving this morning.
   • Be careful not to nick the table with that knife.
   • She accidentally nicked her finger on the broken glass.

   Synonymeincisenotchscorescratchsnick

2. Make a notchB2formaltechnical

   To deliberately cut a small notch or groove into a surface, often for marking or fitting purposes.

   Eine Kerbe machen

   • The carpenter nicked the wood to mark where to cut.
   • He nicked the edge of the metal sheet for alignment.
   • They nicked the stone to create a rough surface.

   Synonymecutgrooveindentmarknotchscorescratch

3. Adjust tail musclesC2formalbritishtechnical

   To divide or reset the tail muscles of an animal, typically a horse, as part of a docking or cosmetic procedure.

   Schweifmuskeln durchtrennen

   • The farrier nicked the horse's tail to improve its carriage.
   • Historically, some breeds were nicked for show purposes.
   • The procedure to nick a horse's tail is now rarely performed.

4. Mate successfullyC2formalbritishtechnical

   To achieve successful mating, especially in livestock breeding, resulting in pregnancy.

   Erfolgreich decken

   • The bull nicked with several cows this season.
   • The farmer was pleased that the pair nicked quickly.
   • Successful breeding requires that the animals nick properly.

   Synonymecatchconceivesettletake