tackle

plural tackles

1. countableuncountableA device for grasping an object and an attached means of moving it, as a rope and hook.
2. countableuncountableA block and tackle.
3. slanguncountablenauticalClothing.
4. uncountablefishingEquipment (rod, reel, line, lure, etc.) used when angling.
5. broadlyinformaluncountableEquipment, gear, gadgetry.

   2004 June 24–30, "Jeff Gordon Never Gets Tired Of Seeing Face On Cheap Plastic Crap", The Onion, available in Embedded in America, →ISBN, page 193, ... an illuminated license-plate frame bearing his likeness, signature, and yellow number 24. "That there's a real nice piece of tackle. ..."

6. countablehobbiesA play where a player attempts to take control over the ball from an opponent, as in rugby or football.
7. countableAmerican footballA play where a defender brings the ball carrier to the ground.
8. countableAny instance in which one person intercepts another and forces them to the ground.
9. countableuncountableAmerican footballAn offensive line position between a guard and an end: offensive tackle; a person playing that position.
10. countableuncountableAmerican footballA defensive position between two defensive ends: defensive tackle; a person playing that position.
11. countableslanguncountableThe penis.

    Synonyms: wedding tackle

present singular third person tackles · participle present tackling · participle past tackled · past tackled

1. To force a person to the ground with the weight of one's own body, usually by jumping on top or slamming one's weight into them.
2. To face or deal with, attempting to overcome or fight down.

   Have you tackled them about paying for it?

   3 more examples

   The government's measures to tackle crime were insufficient.

   The work on Bridge 22, over Hemming Street, is being tackled first; it was started in January and should be finished by Whitsun.

   1959 May, “Talking of Trains: Bethnal Green alterations”, in Trains Illustrated, page 236

   The shark was thought to represent nature at its most cruel, and only a few painters and writers felt the need to tackle such a powerful subject.

   1983, Richard Ellis, The Book of Sharks, Knopf, →ISBN, page 148

3. hobbiesTo attempt to take away a ball.
4. American footballTo bring a ball carrier to the ground.
5. SingaporecolloquialTo "hit on" or pursue a person that one is interested in.

   It takes the form of a beautiful lady and tackles young and handsome men.

   2003, Other Malay Ghosts, archived from the original on 10 Mar 2016

   3 more examples

   "Singing is the oldest, most effective and productive way to tackle girls," asserted the 37-year-old, affectionately known as Ah Guan at Tan Chang Ren Music Station.

   2000 June 7, Kor Kian Beng, “What's the best way to tackle girls? Sing”, in The New Paper, page 15

   Now, now, I know you guys are being excited but remember, your feelings play the most important role to tackle a girl.

   2009, Z Master, General Tips about Life

   Kenneth Ma claims his secret to tackling girls lies in his new and improved skin condition.

   2014, The Newsroom, archived from the original on 05 Mar 2016