informal 10K+

Somebody's jimmying the window

🇬🇧 UK //ˈsʌmbədiz ˈdʒɪmiɪŋ ðə ˈwɪndəʊ// 🇺🇸 US //ˈsʌmbəˌdiz ˈdʒɪmiɪŋ ðə ˈwɪndoʊ//

Meaning of Somebody's jimmying the window

Opening a window without permission, typically using a tool to force it.

In simple words: Someone is trying to open the window forcefully.

Somebody's jimmying the window in a sentence

• Somebody's jimmying the window, we need to call the police!
• Don't just stand there; somebody's jimmying the window and we should stop them!
• The security alarm went off because somebody's jimmying the window at the back.
• Somebody's jimmying the window, and it's not the first time this week!

How to use Somebody's jimmying the window

Used informally to describe someone attempting to break into a place by prying open a window, especially with a tool. Often carries a sense of urgency or alarm.

Grammar pattern

somebody's + gerund

Memory hint

Jimmy sounds like a name - think of a burglar named Jimmy trying to sneak in.

Related words

Collocations with Somebody's jimmying the window

• somebody's always jimmying
• caught jimmying
• try jimmying
• stop somebody from jimmying
• hear somebody jimmying

Synonyms for Somebody's jimmying the window

• pry
• force
• open
• break in
• manipulate

Common mistakes with Somebody's jimmying the window

• Confusing 'jimmying' with 'jimmied' which is the past tense.
• Using 'someone' instead of 'somebody' makes it sound less urgent.
• Mixing up with other break-in terms like 'smashed' or 'broke' which imply different actions.

Frequently asked questions about Somebody's jimmying the window

What does Somebody's jimmying the window mean?

Someone is trying to open the window forcefully.

What is the definition of Somebody's jimmying the window?

Opening a window without permission, typically using a tool to force it.

How do you use Somebody's jimmying the window in a sentence?

Somebody's jimmying the window, we need to call the police!

Can you give another example of Somebody's jimmying the window?

Don't just stand there; somebody's jimmying the window and we should stop them!

What are synonyms for Somebody's jimmying the window?

Common alternatives include pry, force, open, break in, manipulate.

What words go with Somebody's jimmying the window?

It commonly pairs with somebody's always jimmying, caught jimmying, try jimmying, stop somebody from jimmying, hear somebody jimmying.

What are common mistakes when using Somebody's jimmying the window?

Confusing 'jimmying' with 'jimmied' which is the past tense. Using 'someone' instead of 'somebody' makes it sound less urgent. Mixing up with other break-in terms like 'smashed' or 'broke' which imply different actions.

How do you pronounce Somebody's jimmying the window?

US: //ˈsʌmbəˌdiz ˈdʒɪmiɪŋ ðə ˈwɪndoʊ//, UK: //ˈsʌmbədiz ˈdʒɪmiɪŋ ðə ˈwɪndəʊ//. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

Is Somebody's jimmying the window formal or informal?

"Somebody's jimmying the window" is informal, so it fits casual conversation with friends and family.

When should I use Somebody's jimmying the window?

Used informally to describe someone attempting to break into a place by prying open a window, especially with a tool. Often carries a sense of urgency or alarm.