lazy tongs

noun (used with a plural verb)

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.

Origin of lazy tongs

First recorded in 1830–40

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for lazy tongs

Historical Examples of lazy tongs

Its construction was essentially that of a pair of lazy-tongs, arranged as in figs. 30 and 31.
Sharps and Flats
John Nevil Maskelyne
The 'lazy-tongs' device was fixed to the base-plate at one end, the other being free to move, and carrying the clip for the cards.
Sharps and Flats
John Nevil Maskelyne

British Dictionary definitions for lazy tongs

lazy tongs

pl n

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012