How to Memorize

he nicked the purse/phone/car

Analysis

A nick can be a small cut or a notch in something. You could 'nick yourself' meaning cut yourself with a knife or a blade. You might make a nick in a plant or tree in order to take a cutting. 'The nick' is also a British slang word for 'prison'. "He spent five years in the nick for possession of drugs." To 'nick' something can mean to make an incision in it with a blade or knife and it can also mean to steal. "He nicked himself several times when shaving for the first time." "She nicked a number of notes from the till and put them quickly into her pocket." You might also come across the expression 'in the nick of time' which means to do something just on time.

Social Examples (Basic)

1. The criminal nicked the woman's phone as soon as she turned her back.
2. The car was nicked from in front of the museum.
3. My daughter was in tears when someone nicked her purse from her bag.

Professional Examples (Basic)

1. If we work late for the next three days we might just be able to deliver this project in the nick of time.
2. If you nick or cut yourself in a professional kitchen you need to clean the wound thoroughly and cover it with a blue plaster.
3. Some companies have been accused of asking job applicants to submit projects and then nicking their ideas without hiring the candidate.

Further Suggestions