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

That can keep a person from fainting, and apparently can also help a person block and tackle.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 7, 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

A good, solid, responsible team that could block and tackle and not make the silly mistakes that his glamor teams always did.

From The Guardian • Jan. 16, 2017

“When Paul was educating me about alternative investments, I thought what better alternative investment than my own business, where I can block and tackle and build myself.”

From Washington Post • Apr. 9, 2012

On July 8 Cooksey’s new “can” was maneuvered into the lab by block and tackle anchored by his treasured new Packard, a yellow sedan he dubbed the “Creamliner.”

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik