Sports / B2

verb · B2

Tackle

TAKL/ˈtækl/

To tackle is to deal with a difficult problem, or (sport) to stop a player with the ball: tackle overcrowding; tackle the question. Address is the essay twin; handle is everyday. The briefing asks how the council will tackle waiting lists. Mix-up: tackle as equipment (fishing tackle); tickle is a light touch. Do not write tackle for a tiny admin job with no difficulty.

Meaning

To deal with a difficult problem; also (sport) to stop a player who has the ball.

Examples

  • “The briefing asks how the council will tackle waiting lists, not reprint a slogan.”
  • “A late tackle in the PE source still went in the incident log, which is the sport sense.”

Good to know

tackle + problem / issue / question; tackle overcrowding. Essay twin: address. Sport: a tackle. Trap: fishing tackle / tickle. News, citizenship, and sport. Deal with something hard, not a trivial chore.

Near in meaning

address

Topics

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