nip

• Substantiv mit mehreren Bedeutungen: ein kleiner Schluck Alkohol; der Geschmackseindruck einer pikanten Würze; mäßig kalte Eigenschaft; eine herbe, würzige Note; oder ein kleiner scharfer Biss oder Schnitt.

A noun with multiple meanings: a small drink of liquor; the taste experience of a savory condiment; a moderately cold property; a tart spicy quality; or a small sharp bite or snip.

1. Small drink of liquorB2informal

   A small quantity of an alcoholic beverage, especially spirits.

   Schluck

   • He took a nip of whiskey to warm himself.
   • She offered him a nip of brandy after dinner.
   • Just a small nip of rum is enough for the sauce.

   Synonymebeltdramjiggerpullshotsipslugswallowswigtot

2. Sharp taste or tangB2informalculinary

   A sharp, pungent, or spicy flavor, often from a condiment or seasoning.

   Scharfer Geschmack

   • The sauce has a nip of chili that wakes up the palate.
   • There's a pleasant nip of ginger in this tea.
   • The mustard gave the sandwich a sharp nip.

   Synonymebitekickpiquancypunchsharpnessspicetangzest

3. Coldness or chillB2informal

   A sharp, biting coldness in the air or weather.

   Kälte

   • There's a nip in the air this morning.
   • The winter nip made her pull her coat tighter.
   • You can feel the nip of autumn as the sun sets.

   Synonymebitechillchillinesscoldcrispnesskeennesssharpness

4. Tart or spicy qualityC1informalculinary

   A sharp, tangy, or piquant quality in taste or character.

   Schärfe

   • The cheese has a delightful nip that lingers.
   • Her remarks had a nip of sarcasm.
   • The pickles have a pleasant nip from the vinegar.

   Synonymebiteedgekickpiquancysharpnesstangzest

   Antonymeblandnessmildnesssweetness

5. Small bite or snipB1informal

   A small, quick bite or a short, sharp cut.

   Biss oder Schnitt

   • The puppy gave her finger a playful nip.
   • He took a nip of the thread with scissors.
   • A nip from the crab startled him.

   Synonymebiteclipcutnibblepinchsnip

• Verb, das ein leichtes Kneifen, Beißen oder Zwicken bezeichnet, das Abschneiden oder Abzwicken eines kleinen Stücks oder eine schnelle, leichte Bewegung.

A verb used to indicate the act of pinching, biting, or cutting off a small piece, or moving quickly and lightly.

1. Squeeze tightlyB1formal

   To press or pinch something firmly between two surfaces, such as fingers or a tool.

   Zusammenpressen

   • She nipped the stem of the flower between her thumb and forefinger.
   • He nipped the wire with a pair of pliers.
   • The crab nipped my toe with its claw.

   Synonymeclampcompressgrippinchpresssqueezetweak

   Antonymeloosenrelease

2. Give a small sharp biteB1formal

   To bite something lightly and quickly, often causing a sharp but minor pain.

   Zwicken

   • The puppy nipped at my heels playfully.
   • A mosquito nipped me on the arm.
   • The fish nipped at the bait.

   Synonymebitenibblepinchsnaptweak

3. Sever or remove by pinchingB2formal

   To cut or remove something by pinching or snipping it off.

   Abknipsen

   • She nipped off the dead leaves from the plant.
   • He nipped the thread with scissors.
   • The gardener nipped the buds to encourage growth.

   Synonymeclipcut offnip offseversnip

Phrasal-Variantennip off