saw

Saw is a term with multiple meanings. It can refer to a tool used for cutting or to a film franchise known for its horror imagery and intricate plotting.

A saw is a tool with a toothed blade used for cutting materials such as wood, metal, or plastic. Saws can be manual, powered by electricity or battery, or pneumatic. Common types include hand saws (such as rip saws and crosscut saws), circular saws, reciprocating saws, and jigsaws. The blade’s teeth and geometry vary to improve cutting efficiency for different materials. Safety features and guides, such as a fence on a circular saw or a push stick for hand tools, help control the cut.

Saw (film franchise) is an American horror franchise created by James Wan and Leigh Whannell. The first film debuted in 2004 and introduced the killer known as Jigsaw, who places victims in life-threatening traps designed to test their will to live or moral choices. The series is known for its puzzle-like structure, non-linear storytelling, and emphasis on psychological horror alongside gore. It expanded into multiple sequels and spin-offs, with films exploring the origins of Jigsaw and the broader mythology of the traps. The franchise has influenced contemporary horror and spawned merchandise and media; critical reception has been mixed, praising originality and suspense in early installments and criticizing later entries for gratuitous violence or repetitive setups.

Other uses: The word saw can also mean a proverb or maxim, an old saying.