Cinch: meaning, definitions and examples

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cinch

[sɪntʃ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

easy task

Something that is very easy to do or accomplish, requiring little effort or difficulty.

Synonyms

breeze, piece of cake, walk in the park.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
cinch	Use this word to indicate something that is very easy to achieve or do. It's often used in American English. The test was a cinch for her since she had studied hard. Winning the game was a cinch because the other team was inexperienced.
breeze	This word can describe something easy to do. It's also used to describe a casual or carefree manner in doing something. The assignment was a breeze; I finished it in no time. She breezed through the exam with confidence.
piece of cake	This phrase indicates that something is extremely easy to do. It's a common idiom in English. The puzzle was a piece of cake for him. After practicing for weeks, the performance was a piece of cake.
walk in the park	This expression means something is very easy or not challenging at all. It's often used to downplay the difficulty of a task. Compared to his previous job, this new role is a walk in the park. For an experienced chef, making this dish is a walk in the park.

Examples of usage

It's a cinch to finish this homework assignment in just 10 minutes.
Running a 5k is a cinch for him, he does it every morning.
She found the recipe to be a cinch to follow, even for a beginner.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

secure fastening

A strap that is passed around a horse's body and fastened in order to secure a saddle.

Synonyms

belt, girth, strap.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
cinch	Used to describe something that is very easy to do or someone who is very certain to do something. That test was a cinch for her. Winning this game will be a cinch.
girth	Commonly used to describe the measurement around something, especially a person's waist or the circumference of an object. The girth of the tree is quite large. He's trying to reduce his waist girth.
strap	Typically refers to a narrow piece of material used for fastening, securing, or carrying something. She adjusted the strap of her handbag. He tightened the strap on his helmet.
belt	Can refer to a piece of clothing worn around the waist to hold up pants or as a fashion accessory. It can also mean a strong blow or hit, often in a negative sense. He wore a leather belt with his jeans. She gave him a belt on the shoulder.

Examples of usage

The cowboy tightened the cinch before mounting his horse.
She checked the cinch to make sure it was secure before riding.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

tighten securely

To secure or tighten something firmly, such as a strap or belt.

Synonyms

fasten, secure, tighten.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
cinch	Often used informally to mean something very easy or simple to do. It can also mean to fasten something tightly, like a belt or strap. The test was a cinch; I finished it in no time. Make sure to cinch the straps on the backpack tightly.
secure	Describes making something safer or more stable. It can also mean obtaining something firmly, often used in formal contexts. Remember to secure the door before leaving the house. He managed to secure a job at a prestigious company.
tighten	Describes making something tighter, often used with nuts, bolts, or screws, as well as in a figurative sense to describe making rules or budgets stricter. You need to tighten the screws on the chair so it's not wobbly. The company plans to tighten its budget due to lower revenue.
fasten	Used to describe the action of attaching or securing something firmly, commonly buttons, zippers, or seat belts. Please fasten your seat belt before the plane takes off. She fastened her coat to protect herself from the cold.

Examples of usage

He cinched his backpack tightly before heading out on the hike.
The chef cinched the apron around his waist before starting to cook.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'cinch' comes from the Spanish 'cincha', which refers to a strap used to hold something tight.
In the 1800s, the term evolved in American English to mean something that is easy or sure to happen.
Before 'cinch' took on its current meaning, it was often associated with securing something tightly, reflecting the idea of certainty.

Pop Culture

The term is frequently used in sports and games, indicating an easy victory or a task that is simple to accomplish.
In the movie 'The Sandlot', one character uses 'cinch' to describe an easy catch, highlighting its casual, fun usage.
The phrase 'it's a cinch!' is often used in television shows and films to depict a character's confidence in succeeding at a task.

Psychology

Using phrases like 'it's a cinch' can boost confidence, making tasks seem less daunting and more manageable.
Cognitive researchers believe that framing challenges as 'cinches' can improve motivation and reduce anxiety.
The perception of a task being a 'cinch' often results in better performance due to increased positivity and reduced pressure.

Literature

In various literary works, authors use 'cinch' to characterize situations that may seem challenging but turn out to be straightforward.
The expression can often reflect a character's development, illustrating their newfound confidence in overcoming obstacles.
Classic literature sometimes employs 'cinch' in dialogue to reveal a character's laid-back attitude or sense of humor.

Education

Educators may encourage students to treat difficult assignments as 'cinches' to reduce anxiety and encourage effort.
The use of positive affirmations combining 'cinch' can help students feel more capable and willing to tackle their studies.
Visible growth in students’ self-efficacy when they perceive tasks as 'cinches' is a key focus for developmental psychology in education.

Translations

Translations of the word "cinch" in other languages:

🇵🇹 moleza

🇮🇳 आसान काम

🇩🇪 Klacks

🇮🇩 mudah

🇺🇦 легка справа

🇵🇱 łatwizna

🇯🇵 簡単なこと (kantan na koto)

🇫🇷 jeu d'enfant

🇪🇸 pan comido

🇹🇷 çocuk oyuncağı

🇰🇷 식은 죽 먹기 (sik-eun juk meok-gi)

🇸🇦 سهل جدًا

🇨🇿 hračka

🇸🇰 hračka

🇨🇳 轻而易举 (qīng'éryìjǔ)

🇸🇮 lahka naloga

🇮🇸 leikur

🇰🇿 оңай іс

🇬🇪 მარტივი საქმის გაკეთება

🇦🇿 asan iş

🇲🇽 pan comido

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,419, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

...
29416 pantheistic
29417 slouch
29418 heartiest
29419 cinch
29420 swiftest
29421 carpi
29422 presaged
...