block and tackle

Meaning

1. A system in which a rope, cable, or chain (the tackle) is passed over pulleys enclosed in two (or rarely more) blocks, one fixed and one attached to a load, which is used to gain mechanical advantage to lift or pull heavy loads.
2. (euphemistic) The underwear combination of stockings worn with a suspender belt.

Synonyms

polyspast

pulley block

fell

hide

hoist

jack

tackle

winch

windlass

tackle-block

pulley tackle

set of pulleys

block sheave

purchase tackle

travelling trolley

sheave pulley

block and falls

Spanish barton

burton

extension hand wheel block

derrick

Translations

Flaschenzug

Kloben und Hebezeug

παλάγκο

πολύσπαστο

palan

aparejo