tackle

To try to solve a problem or deal with a difficult task.

• Let's tackle this problem first.
• The council is tackling air pollution.
• How did you tackle the hardest question?

Similar words: address, deal with, take on

Common phrases: tackle a problem, tackle an issue, tackle a task, tackle crime

To try to get the ball away from another player in a game.

• The defender tackled me.
• She tackled him and won the ball.
• You must learn to tackle without committing a foul.

Similar words: challenge

Common phrases: tackle an opponent, tackle a player, tackle someone cleanly

To grab or hit someone with your body and force them to the ground.

• She tackled the runner.
• Two defenders tackled him near the line.
• A police officer tackled the fleeing suspect.

Similar words: bring down

Common phrases: tackle a player, tackle someone hard, tackle the runner

An attempt to take the ball away from another player during a game.

• That was a clean tackle.
• His tackle sent the ball out of play.
• The referee punished her for a dangerous tackle.

Similar words: challenge

Common phrases: sliding tackle, clean tackle, make a tackle

An attempt to stop a player by grabbing them and bringing them to the ground.

• He made a good tackle.
• The runner escaped two tackles.
• Her tackle brought the player to the ground.

Common phrases: make a tackle, miss a tackle, hard tackle

Equipment used for fishing, such as rods, lines, and hooks.

• Bring your fishing tackle.
• She keeps her tackle in the shed.
• The shop sells tackle for sea fishing.

Similar words: fishing gear, fishing equipment

Common phrases: fishing tackle, tackle box, tackle shop

A position in the middle of the defensive line in American football, or a player in that position.

• He plays defensive tackle.
• The team signed a new tackle.
• Their starting defensive tackle injured his knee.

Common phrases: defensive tackle, play defensive tackle, starting defensive tackle

A system of ropes and wheels used to lift heavy things.

• They lifted it with a tackle.
• The crew checked the ropes of the tackle.
• A block and tackle helped us raise the engine.

Similar words: pulley system

Common phrases: block and tackle, lifting tackle, rig a tackle