ratchet

棘輪、棘齒機械

The ratchet lets the wheel turn one way but not back.

棘輪讓輪子只能單向轉動，無法回轉。

棘輪扳手、棘輪起子

Hand me the ratchet so I can loosen these bolts.

把棘輪扳手拿給我，我要把這些螺栓鬆開。

逐步提高、逐步加強多與 up 連用

The company ratcheted up production to meet holiday demand.

公司逐步提高產量，以應付假期的需求。

逐步降低、逐步調降多與 down 連用

Both sides agreed to ratchet down the tension after talks.

雙方在會談後同意逐步降低緊張局勢。

粗俗的、低級的、邋遢的美式俚語、貶義

He called the whole party ratchet and left early.

他說整場派對都很low，就提早離開了。