mainspring

Definitions

main (chief) + spring (coiled driving force) = the principal spring inside a clock that powers it. Figuratively the mainspring of something is its central driving force — the mainspring of a reform, of someone's ambition.

Common Collocations

• 1.the mainspring of……的原动力
• 2.broken mainspring断裂的主发条
• 3.wind the mainspring上紧主发条

Example Sentences

• 1.

  A broken mainspring stopped the antique clock.

• 2.

  Ambition was the mainspring of all his decisions.