[Elamur Dictionary](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/tongs/) [dictionaries](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) / [English](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/) / [T](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/t/) / tongs # tongs noun (tongs, plural; a pair of tongs) «tongs» in the English dictionary: everyday and in Jewish tradition — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova. ## Everyday 1. Tongs are a tool with two long arms joined at one end, used to pick up and hold things, such as food on a barbecue, salad, ice cubes or hot coals. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/T/tongs/#m1) 2. Science tongs (crucible tongs) hold hot things in the lab. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/T/tongs/#m2) 3. (UK) Curling tongs are a hot tool for curling hair. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/T/tongs/#m3) 4. Hammer and tongs means working or fighting with great force and energy. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/T/tongs/#m4) ### In the lessons In everyday life tongs keep hands away from hot food and germs. In science safety, tongs are used to hold hot crucibles or test tubes. In maths/science, tongs are a lever. Phrases: «a pair of tongs», «barbecue tongs», «salad tongs», «hammer and tongs» (with great energy, often noisily arguing). ### Examples - Use the tongs to turn the sausages. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/T/tongs/#x1) - Pass me the salad tongs, please. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/T/tongs/#x2) - In science we held the hot crucible with tongs. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/T/tongs/#x3) - She picked up the ice cubes with tongs. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/T/tongs/#x4) - Mum curls her hair with curling tongs. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/T/tongs/#x5) - They were arguing hammer and tongs. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/T/tongs/#x6) - Tongs are a kind of lever. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/T/tongs/#x7) - Are you any good with hammer and tongs? [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/T/tongs/#x8) ### Note Plural noun: «the tongs are», «a pair of tongs». Do not say «a tong». Not to be confused with «tongues». Check tongs are not too hot before touching the ends. ## In Jewish tradition Tongs were tools of pure gold for the Tabernacle lampstand, used to trim the wicks. **Interpretation.** The tongs belonged to the menorah, the golden lampstand, which tradition sees as a symbol of light and wisdom. ### Examples - And the tongs thereof, and the snuffdishes thereof, shall be of pure gold. (Torah EXO.25.38, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/T/tongs/#x1) - And he made the lamps thereof, seven, and the tongs thereof, and the snuffdishes thereof, of pure gold. (Torah EXO.37.23, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/T/tongs/#x2) - And they shall take a cloth of blue, and cover the candlestick of the light, and its lamps, and its tongs, and its snuffdishes, and all the oil vessels thereof, wherewith they minister unto it. (Torah NUM.4.9, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/T/tongs/#x3) - and the flowers, and the lamps, and the tongs, of gold, and that perfect gold; (Writings 2CH.4.21, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/T/tongs/#x4) - Then flew unto me one of the seraphim, with a glowing stone in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar; (Prophets ISA.6.6, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/T/tongs/#x5) - and the candlesticks, five on the right side, and five on the left, before the Sanctuary, of pure gold; and the flowers, and the lamps, and the tongs, of gold; (Prophets 1KI.7.49, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/T/tongs/#x6) ### Note Plural noun: «the tongs are», «a pair of tongs». Do not say «a tong». Not to be confused with «tongues». Check tongs are not too hot before touching the ends. ## On Mova - [Trees and pragmatics of «tongs» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/T/tongs/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames. - [«tongs» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/tongs.html) on Mova free. - [Trees and pragmatics of «tongs» in the Judaism dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/T/tongs/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames. - [«tongs» in the Judaism dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/judaism/w/tongs.html) on Mova free.