unblockv.
/(ˌ)ʌnˈblɒk/, U.S. /ˌənˈblɑk/ 1. transitive. To free from an obstruction; to open up, to clear. Also figurative.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > condition of being open or not closed > open [verb (transitive)] > open by freeing of obstruction
openOE
ridlOE
unstop1398
uncumberc1440
redd1488
clear1530
unchoke1588
disencumber1598
disobstruct1611
unblock1611
unchain1616
deobstruct1653
unobstruct1659
free1690
rede1693
to open up1793
1611 R. Cotgrave Dict. French & Eng. Tongues Desblouquer, to vnblocke, or open the (blockt~vp) passages of.
1656 R. Baxter Reformed Pastor 193 Our credit may do much to remove prejudice, and to unblock the entrance into mens minds.
1969 H. Perkin Key Profession v. 186 Even that..did not unblock the channels of advance.
1974 J. Mann Sticking Place ii. 30 She did not want to un-block drains or carry the dustbins.
2. Cards. To give free scope to (a partner's suit) by playing an unnecessarily high card. Also absol.
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society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > card game > play a card [verb (transitive)] > actions or tactics
to hold up?1499
decardc1555
to turn up1580
discard1591
pulla1625
to sit out1659
face1674
to make out1680
to lay out1687
to throw away1707
lead1739
weaken1742
carry1744
to take in1744
force1746
to show down1768
throw1866
blank1884
block1884
cover1885
unblock1885
pitch1890
1885 ‘Cavendish’ Whist Devel. Pref. p. x The cases where the leader's partner, when he does not head the trick, should play to unblock by retaining his lowest card (playing a higher one).
1899 C. J. Melrose Solo Whist 12 This principle is known in whist as ‘unblocking’ partner's suit.
Derivatives
unˈblocking n.
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society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > card game > [noun] > actions or tactics > specific
discarding1592
facing1635
pull1715
lead1742
return1742
discard1778
solo1814
underplay1850
convention1862
force1862
showdown1870
unblocking1885
false-carding1923
passed hand1924
exit1934
reverse1936
loser-on-loser1947
1885 ‘Cavendish’ Whist Devel. Pref. p. x Hitherto it has been left to the ingenuity of individuals..to decide when and how the unblocking should be done.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1921; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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