Unscrew

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HiIt it OK to say: I need to unscrew this bolt. I know there is also a word "tighten up" (which is the opposite of "unscrew"). So, is it alright to say: I need to tighten up this bolt.Are there other ways to say the same? I think there is something like "do up".Thanks

Avangi · Accepted Answer

"Unscrew this bolt" is correct. I think "do up/undo" is British. Maybe "undo my bra."

If you only want to untighten it (as opposed to removing it), you can say "loosen the bolt."

I'd say that in AmE, unscrewing the bolt is tantamount to removing it.

(We're talking here about a threaded hole, not a nut & bolt.)

Newguest · Answer

Thanks for your explanations.

Newguest · Answer

But is it better to say: Do this bolt up OR Do up this bolt.

Thanks

Avangi · Answer

NewguestBut is it better to say: Do this bolt up OR Do up this bolt.

I'd rather slash my wrists than say either one of them, but I think "do up the dishes" is more common than "do the dishes up" - but I've heard both.

In the US, in plumbing, I think, we used to use "make up the joints/threads."

Clive · Answer

Hi,

I've never heard anyone say either "do up the dishes" or "do the dishes up". What does it mean?

If it refers to washing the dishes, where I live we say 'do the dishes'.

Clive

Avangi · Answer

Clive What does it mean?

The old folks were still saying it in New England when I left in the 60's. How about, "Do up the supper things?"

- A.
An' all us other chill'n when the supper things was done/ would sit aroun' the kitchen fire, an' have the mostest fun -

Clive · Answer

Hi,

'Done', yes, but that quote does not say 'done . . up'. That was the phrase that puzzled me.

Clive

Avangi · Answer

Somehow I knew you were going to catch that.

Only 10,000 Google hits - mostly old-fashioned AmE stuff. I didn't segregate.

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