cut off
يقطع
Littéralement: to separate by slicing
Use 'cut off' for any sudden, abrupt stop to a conversation, a supply, or a path.
En 15 secondes
- To interrupt someone while they are talking.
- To block someone's path suddenly while driving.
- To stop the supply of something like electricity or money.
Signification
To stop something from continuing or to interrupt someone while they are speaking. It also describes being blocked while driving or having a utility like water or electricity stopped.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6In a heated meeting
I'm sorry to cut you off, but we need to move to the next topic.
I'm sorry to interrupt you, but we need to move to the next topic.
Talking about a bad driver
That blue car totally cut me off without using a blinker!
That blue car suddenly pulled in front of me without signaling!
A dropped phone call
I think we got cut off when I went into the elevator.
I think our connection was lost when I went into the elevator.
Contexte culturel
The phrase gained significant usage with the rise of telecommunications and automotive travel. In the US, 'cutting someone off' in traffic is a major social taboo. In social settings, 'cutting someone off' from alcohol is a legal responsibility for bartenders in many countries.
The Polite Interruption
If you must cut someone off in a meeting, always start with 'I'm sorry to...' to soften the blow.
Driving Etiquette
In the US and UK, cutting someone off is considered very aggressive. Expect a honk!
En 15 secondes
- To interrupt someone while they are talking.
- To block someone's path suddenly while driving.
- To stop the supply of something like electricity or money.
What It Means
Cut off is a versatile phrase about stopping a flow. Think of it like a physical break in a line. It can mean stopping a conversation or a phone call. It can mean a driver suddenly moving in front of you. It also means losing access to money or electricity. It is about an abrupt, often unwanted ending.
How To Use It
You can use it as a verb: He cut me off. You can also use it as a noun: The cutoff for applications is Friday. It is a separable phrasal verb. This means you can put the object in the middle. You can say cut off the power or cut the power off. Both are perfectly natural.
When To Use It
Use it when someone interrupts you mid-sentence. It is great for complaining about bad drivers on the highway. Use it when discussing deadlines or limits. If a bartender stops serving a drunk friend, they cut him off. It is also the standard way to describe a dropped phone call. "Sorry, we got cut off in the tunnel!"
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for a planned ending. If a movie finishes, it didn't cut off. It just ended. Avoid using it for physical surgery. Surgeons amputate or remove parts; they don't just cut them off in a professional report. Also, don't use it for breaking up with a partner. We usually say broke up instead.
Cultural Background
In Western bar culture, being cut off is a rite of passage. It means the bartender thinks you have had too much to drink. It is also a huge part of American driving culture. Cutting someone off in traffic is a top cause of road rage. It is seen as a sign of extreme disrespect or selfishness on the road.
Common Variations
Cutoff (noun) refers to a deadline or a specific limit. Cut yourself off means isolating yourself from friends or family. You might cut off your nose to spite your face. This is a funny idiom about hurting yourself while trying to hurt someone else. Just don't do it literally!
Notes d'usage
The phrase is neutral but can sound aggressive if used without 'please' or 'sorry' in social settings. It is a separable phrasal verb.
The Polite Interruption
If you must cut someone off in a meeting, always start with 'I'm sorry to...' to soften the blow.
Driving Etiquette
In the US and UK, cutting someone off is considered very aggressive. Expect a honk!
The Bartender's Power
In many English-speaking countries, a bartender has the legal right to 'cut you off' if they think you're too drunk.
Exemples
6I'm sorry to cut you off, but we need to move to the next topic.
I'm sorry to interrupt you, but we need to move to the next topic.
A polite way to interrupt when time is short.
That blue car totally cut me off without using a blinker!
That blue car suddenly pulled in front of me without signaling!
Describes a dangerous driving maneuver.
I think we got cut off when I went into the elevator.
I think our connection was lost when I went into the elevator.
Used when a technical connection fails.
The cutoff for the concert tickets is at midnight!
The deadline for the concert tickets is at midnight!
Using the noun form to describe a limit.
The bartender cut Dave off after his fourth karaoke song.
The bartender stopped serving Dave after his fourth song.
Implies Dave was acting too drunk or rowdy.
His parents cut him off financially after he quit college.
His parents stopped giving him money after he quit college.
Refers to stopping a supply of support.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct form to describe a driving incident.
I had to slam on my brakes because a truck ___ me ___.
To 'cut someone off' in traffic means to pull in front of them too closely.
Complete the sentence regarding a utility bill.
If we don't pay the bill, they will ___ the electricity.
To 'cut off' a utility means to stop the supply.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality of 'Cut Off'
Used with friends or in traffic.
Dude, you cut me off!
Standard for phone calls or utilities.
The line was cut off.
Used in meetings with apologies.
Allow me to cut off the debate here.
Common 'Cut Off' Scenarios
Driving
Being blocked by a car
Conversation
Being interrupted
Finances
Losing an allowance
Technology
Losing phone signal
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsUsually, yes. It implies an interruption or a loss. However, a cutoff date for a sale is just a neutral fact.
Yes! Cut-offs are denim jeans that have been turned into shorts by cutting the legs off.
Cut off is more abrupt and informal. Interrupt is more general and can be used in any setting.
When using a pronoun, you must put it in the middle: cut him off. You cannot say cut off him.
You usually use the passive voice: We got cut off. This means the signal died unexpectedly.
Yes, if you cut someone off from a group, you are stopping them from communicating with others.
It is the specific limit or threshold where something stops, like a cutoff point for a passing grade.
No, it is a standard phrasal verb used in both casual and professional English.
Not really. We usually say cut out for habits, like cut out sugar. Cut off is for external supplies.
It means to make it difficult for someone to breathe, either literally or metaphorically by being too controlling.
Expressions liées
Cut out (to stop doing something)
Break in (to interrupt a conversation)
Shut out (to exclude someone)
Hang up (to end a phone call intentionally)
Drop out (to stop participating)
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