block and tackle

American  

noun

1. the ropes or chains and blocks used in a hoisting tackle.

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block and tackle British  

noun

1. a hoisting device in which a rope or chain is passed around a pair of blocks containing one or more pulleys. The upper block is secured overhead and the lower block supports the load, the effort being applied to the free end of the rope or chain

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block and tackle Scientific  

/ blŏk /

1. An arrangement of pulleys and ropes used to reduce the amount of force needed to move heavy loads. One pulley is attached to the load, and rope or chains connect this pulley to a fixed pulley. Each pulley may have multiple grooves or wheels for the rope to pass over numerous times. Pulling the rope or chain slowly draws the load-bearing pulley toward the fixed one with high mechanical advantage.

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Etymology

Origin of block and tackle

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

These days he must teach from scratch, showing kids how to put on shoulder pads, block and tackle.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 31, 2025

How the pallbearers did it, without modern block and tackle or a utility-truck “cherry picker,” one can barely fathom.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 29, 2018

Defenses drop two defensive backs and a lineman. The rules and fundamentals are mostly the same as the 11-player version; you still have to block and tackle.

From Washington Post • Nov. 6, 2017

Successful whaling crews have always hauled the massive animals onto the ice using a block and tackle.

From The Guardian • Jul. 16, 2015

We had used a block and tackle and two hooks to raise the pig by its rear ankles.

From "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan