cotter pin
/ˈkɒtə pɪn
/(also cotter)
noun
1A metal pin used to fasten two parts of a mechanism together.She slid the cotter pin back through the nut and bolt and screwed the grease cap back on....
- A cotter pin acts a safety measure to prevent the arm from sliding off the stub.
- The cotter pin missed the male spline on the flap motor.
1.1A split pin that is opened out after being passed through a hole.
Origin
Mid 17th century: of unknown origin.
- have a (or one's) bellyful
- have a plum in one's mouth
- have a problem with
- have a screw loose
- have a shy at
- have a soft spot (also soft corner) for
- have at
- have a thick (or thin) skin
- have a thick skin
- have a thing about
- have a thing for
- have a thin time
- have a tiger by the tail (also be riding a tiger)
- have a tin ear
- have a way with
- have a way with one
- have a whale of a time
- have a will of one's own
- have a word
- have a word in someone's ear
- have bats in the (or one's) belfry
- have-been
- have been around
- have been around the block (a few times)
- have been known to do something