Thread: Vice-grip

Hi all,

I need help with this sentence:

Eventually it was Nick who pleaded with my parents to let their vice-grip go.

Context: A girl is going through a very difficult situation and after staying at her parents' for a few days (just for emotional support) she's now leaving to go back to her place and go on with her life.

I understand the meaning of grip, but I don't know what nuance vice adds. Has it got to do with the fact that it's two people holding her? I just don't get it . Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated!!!

Vice2
n.
[See Vise.]
1. (Mech.) A kind of instrument for holding work, as in filing. Same as Vise.
http://www.answers.com/topic/vice




I think that in your text, vice-grip means that her parents are holding on to her as if they were using one of this tools.
In Spanish these tools are called tenazas.

Muchas gracias Pames. Está clarísmo ahora. Es la grafía británica lo que me despistó!

You are more than welcome Goodnightmoon!!!!