pluck

• Qualité de courage et de détermination face aux difficultés, ou action de tirer brusquement puis de relâcher une corde tendue.

A noun referring to the quality of showing courage and determination in the face of difficulty, or the act of pulling and releasing a taut cord.

1. Courage and determinationB2formal

   The quality of showing bravery and resolve in the face of difficulty or danger.

   Courage, détermination

   • She showed great pluck in standing up to the bully.
   • His pluck during the crisis inspired the whole team.
   • It takes a lot of pluck to start a new business alone.

   Synonymesbackbonebraverycouragedaringdeterminationfortitudegritmettlenerveresolvespiritvalor

   Antonymescowardicefearfulnessspinelessnesstimidity

2. Act of pulling a cordB1formal

   The action of pulling and releasing a taut string or cord, especially to produce a sound.

   Pincement (d'une corde)

   • The musician gave a gentle pluck to the guitar string.
   • A single pluck of the harp string filled the room with sound.
   • He adjusted the tension before each pluck of the bow.

   Synonymesjerkpulltugtwangtwitch

• Verbe utilisé pour désigner l'action d'arracher rapidement quelque chose afin de l'enlever, ou de jouer d'un instrument à cordes en pinçant les cordes.

A verb used to indicate the act of pulling something quickly to remove it, or to play a stringed instrument by pulling the strings.

1. Pull or pull out sharplyB1formal

   To remove something by pulling it quickly and with force.

   Arracher (en tirant brusquement)

   • She plucked a flower from the garden.
   • He plucked the splinter from his finger.
   • The magician plucked a coin from behind the child's ear.

   Synonymesjerkripsnatchtugwrenchyank

2. Sell or obtain by energetic or underhanded activityC1informalamerican

   To sell something or obtain something through energetic, often dishonest or shady means.

   revendre (par des moyens douteux)

   • He tried to pluck the antique vase from the old lady for a low price.
   • The salesman plucked the customer with a fake warranty.
   • They plucked the contract from the competitor by offering bribes.

   Synonymeshustleroll

3. Rip off; ask an unreasonable priceB2informalamerican

   To cheat someone by charging an excessively high price.

   Escroquer en surfacturant

   • The taxi driver plucked the tourist by charging triple the normal fare.
   • That shop plucks its customers with overpriced souvenirs.
   • Don't buy from that vendor; he'll pluck you for sure.

   Synonymesfleecegougeoverchargerip offrookscrewsoaksting

4. Pull lightly but sharply with a plucking motionB1formal

   To pull something quickly and lightly, often with fingers, to produce a sound or effect.

   Pincer (en tirant brusquement)

   • He plucked the guitar strings gently.
   • She plucked at his sleeve to get his attention.
   • The musician plucked the harp with delicate fingers.

   Synonymesjerksnatchtugtweaktwitch

5. Strip of feathersB1formal

   To remove feathers from a bird, typically before cooking.

   Plumer (un oiseau)

   • The chef plucked the chicken before roasting it.
   • They plucked the duck clean in the backyard.
   • Plucking a turkey takes time and patience.

   Synonymescleandresspick

6. Look for and gatherB1formal

   To search for and collect something, often by hand.

   Cueillir

   • The children plucked berries from the bushes.
   • She plucked wildflowers for a bouquet.
   • They plucked apples from the orchard trees.

   Synonymescollectcullgathergleanharvestpick

Variantes phrasalpluck at