lazy tongs

American  

noun

(used with a plural verb)

1. extensible tongs for grasping objects at a distance, consisting of a series of pairs of crossing pieces, each pair pivoted together in the middle and connected with the next pair at the extremities.

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lazy tongs British  

plural noun

1. a set of tongs with extensible arms to allow objects to be grasped or handled at a distance

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Etymology

Origin of lazy tongs

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

This is done by a most beautiful bit of mechanism, somewhat on the principle of what are called `lazy tongs.'

From Project Gutenberg

Lazy Tongs.—One of the simplest and most effective instruments for carrying ice, boxes or heavy objects, which are bulky or inconvenient to carry.

From Project Gutenberg

But that sort of thing is remarkably like writing a letter by means of a pen held in lazy tongs instead of the hand.

From Project Gutenberg

A very easily imagined series of accidents may place the destinies of Germany in such lazy tongs again.

From Project Gutenberg

Yet other people consider that the army should be built, like a pair of lazy tongs—on the principle of elasticity and extension—so that in time of need it may fill up its skeleton battalions and empty saddle troops.

From Project Gutenberg