WordGarden.iouncork
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /ʌnkˈɔːk/
US
- /ənˈkɔrk/
Meanings
Verb
to remove the cork from a bottle or similar container
to release, produce, or express something suddenly after holding it back
Beyond the definition
To uncork something is most often to open a bottle by pulling out the cork, especially a bottle of wine. But the word can also be used in a wider way. It can mean to let something out or bring it into the open after it has been held back for a while. Think of a person who has kept a story inside for years. When they finally tell it, you could say they "uncorked" it.
The image behind the word is clear: there is a small pop, and then what was sealed up is free to come out. You uncork a bottle so the drink can flow, but you can also "uncork" feelings, ideas, or energy. The word suggests that something was closed in before and is now being released.
The word "uncork" literally means to remove a cork from a bottle, typically wine or champagne. But its meaning extends beyond the physical act. To uncork something is to release it, often after being contained or suppressed for some time.
Originally, the term was tied directly to bottles sealed with corks, a method of storage used for centuries. The satisfying sound and feeling of opening such a bottle helped give the word a wider sense of release and freedom. Because of that, we now also use "uncork" in a metaphorical way to describe letting out something hidden, stored up, or held back.
You might say a speaker "uncorked" a stream of anger during an argument, meaning those feelings suddenly came out. A writer might "uncork" a flood of ideas after a dry spell. A long-kept secret may be "uncorked" when someone finally confesses it. In these cases, the word keeps the same basic picture: something closed up is suddenly opened and released.
While often linked with pleasant things, such as opening wine or releasing creativity, "uncorking" can also refer to less welcome things. A tense discussion might "uncork" strong emotions, or a shocking event could "uncork" public anger.
So whether you're opening a bottle or watching ideas, secrets, or emotions come pouring out, "uncork" carries the same central idea: remove what was holding something in, and let it flow.
Examples
- 1
Wine bottle
She uncorked the bottle of wine and poured everyone a glass.
- 2
Complaints
As soon as the meeting ended, he uncorked a long list of complaints.
- Patternuncork a complaint/joke/story
suddenly start expressing it
- 3
Powerful shot
With ten seconds left, the striker uncorked a powerful shot from outside the box.
- Patternuncork a shot
hit or throw it with a lot of force
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- uncorkverb
Forms
- uncorkedpast tenseverb
- uncorking-ing formverb
- uncorksverb