clink-clanks
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Meaning · English
handcuffs
Register: slang
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
Sadly for you, the fuzz didn't take kindly to you running around in your birthday suit, and faster than you can say "Miranda rights," they've put the clink-clanks on you and are hauling you off to the joint.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “clink-clanks” mean?
handcuffs
Is “clink-clanks” formal or informal?
clink-clanks is generally slang.