Jimmying Meaning in English

word · lemma: jimmy

US

ˈdʒɪmi

JIM-ee-ing

UK

dʒˈɪmi

ji-MEE-ing

Definition

Using a tool to force open something, usually a door or window, especially to break in illegally.

Usage & Nuances

"Jimmying" is informal and most often relates to breaking in using a lever, crowbar, or similar tool. Used mainly in crime/legal contexts. Collocates with 'door,' 'window,' 'lock.' Not to be confused with 'picking' a lock (which means using specialized tools without force).

• Spanish: forzar con una palanca (robar) - forzando con una ganzúa
• Portuguese (BR): arrombar com uma alavanca - arrombando
• Portuguese (PT): arrombar com uma alavanca - arrombando
• Chinese (Simplified): 用撬棍撬开 - 撬锁
• Chinese (Traditional): 用撬棍撬開 - 撬鎖
• Hindi: उपकरण से दरवाज़ा तोड़ना
• Arabic: فتح بالقوة باستخدام أداة
• Bengali: লেফারে খোলা - জবরদস্তি খুলতে (চুরি করার জন্য)
• Russian: вскрытие ломом - взламывание (с инструментом)
• Japanese: こじ開ける
• Vietnamese: cậy mở - cạy phá
• Korean: 비집어 열기 - 지렛대로 강제로 열기
• Turkish: levye ile açmak - zorla açmak
• Urdu: پھاڑ کر کھولنا - اوزار سے زبردستی کھولنا
• Indonesian: mencongkel

Example Sentences

He was caught jimmying the back door last night.

basic

The thief tried jimmying the window to get inside.

basic

I saw marks from jimmying on the lock.

basic

Someone's been jimmying the garage door again—look at these scratches.

natural

After jimmying several locks, the burglars finally got in.

natural

He got caught on camera jimmying open a window at noon.

natural