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3. ratchet

ratchet

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ratchet up

v.

1. To cause something to increase in increments: The motor was running too slow to run the pump, so we ratcheted up the speed until it worked. We won't resolve our disagreements if you ratchet up our discussions into big arguments.

2. To increase by increments: The tension ratcheted up as the hostage crisis wore on.

See also: ratchet, up

ratchet-mouth

and motor-mouth

n. someone who talks incessantly. (Also a term of address.) Tell that ratchet-mouth to shut up! Hey, motor-mouth! Don’t you ever stop?