C1verb1K

Twist

UK /["/twɪst/","/twɪsts/","/ˈtwɪstɪd/","/ˈtwɪstɪŋ/"]/US /["/twɪst/","/twɪsts/","/ˈtwɪstɪd/","/ˈtwɪstɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to bend or turn something into a particular shape

In simple words: To turn something around its center or bend it in a shape.

Examples

  • She had to twist the cap off the bottle to open it.
  • He managed to twist his ankle while playing soccer.
  • The story took an unexpected twist at the end.
  • You can twist the wire to make a loop for hanging decorations.
  • The plot twists kept the audience engaged throughout the film.
  • She tried to twist his words during the debate to confuse him.
  • In yoga, you often twist your spine to improve flexibility.

Usage notes

Used when something is physically turned or bent. Can be used metaphorically (e.g., a plot twist in stories). Avoid in formal writing if possible; use a more specific word instead.

Grammar pattern

twist + object

Memory hint

Think of twisting a balloon into a fun shape.

Collocations

  • slightly
  • gently
  • quickly
  • around
  • round
  • into
  • twist and turn
  • twist (yourself) free
  • twist something out of shape
  • slightly
  • gently
  • quickly
  • around
  • round
  • into
  • twist and turn
  • twist (yourself) free
  • twist something out of shape
  • slightly
  • gently
  • quickly
  • around
  • round
  • into
  • twist and turn
  • twist (yourself) free
  • twist something out of shape
  • slightly
  • gently
  • quickly
  • around
  • round
  • into
  • twist and turn
  • twist (yourself) free
  • twist something out of shape
  • slightly
  • gently
  • quickly
  • around
  • round
  • into
  • twist and turn
  • twist (yourself) free
  • twist something out of shape
  • slightly
  • gently
  • quickly
  • around
  • round
  • into
  • twist and turn
  • twist (yourself) free
  • twist something out of shape
  • slightly
  • gently
  • quickly
  • around
  • round
  • into
  • twist and turn
  • twist (yourself) free
  • twist something out of shape
  • slightly
  • gently
  • quickly
  • around
  • round
  • into
  • twist and turn
  • twist (yourself) free
  • twist something out of shape
  • slightly
  • gently
  • quickly
  • around
  • round
  • into
  • twist and turn
  • twist (yourself) free
  • twist something out of shape
  • slightly
  • gently
  • quickly
  • around
  • round
  • into
  • twist and turn
  • twist (yourself) free
  • twist something out of shape

Synonyms

  • misrepresent

Antonyms

  • straighten
  • unbend

Common mistakes

  • Using 'twist' when 'turn' is more appropriate.
  • Saying 'twist on' instead of the correct 'twist of' for phrases.
  • Confusing 'twist' with 'turn' in contexts where precision is needed.