nick

nick¹ [nık] n

[Date: 1400-1500; Origin: Perhaps from nock 'small cut in the end of a bow for the string to fit in' (14-20 centuries)]

1.) in the nick of time

just before it is too late, or just before something bad happens

▪ Luckily, help arrived in the nick of time.

2.) in good nick/in bad nick etc

BrE informal in good condition or in bad condition

▪ It's an old car but it's still in good nick.

3.)

a very small cut made on the edge or surface of something

4.) the nick

BrE informal a ↑police station

nick ²

nick² v [T]

1.) BrE informal to steal something

= ↑pinch, steal ↑steal

▪ Someone's nicked my wallet.

nick sth from sb/sth

▪ You nicked those pens from my desk.

2.) to make a small cut in the surface or edge of something, usually by accident

▪ He nicked his hand on some broken glass.

3.) BrE informal if the police nick you, they catch you and charge you with a crime

= ↑arrest

▪ You're nicked!