cut-off

A driver takes the cut-off to avoid traffic.

Definition

1. Noun:

   • A point of termination: "cut-off" refers to a designated point or limit beyond which something is no longer allowed or considered.
   • A device for stopping flow: In mechanics, a "cut-off" is a valve or mechanism that stops the flow of fluid or gas.
   • A shortcut or bypass: In American English, "cut-off" can mean a road or path that provides a shorter route.

2. Adjective:

   • Limiting or terminating: Describes something that establishes a boundary or ending point, such as a "cut-off date".

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The application deadline is a strict cut-off; no late submissions will be accepted. (A point of termination for submissions.)
  • The plumber installed a cut-off valve to stop the water supply in an emergency. (A device that stops flow.)
  • We took the cut-off through the woods to save time. (A shortcut or bypass road.)

• Adjective:

  • The cut-off date for registration is Friday. (An adjective describing a date that limits eligibility.)

Advanced Usage

• "cut-off point": a specific limit or threshold.

  • The cut-off point for passing the exam is 60%. (The minimum score required to pass.)

• "cut-off switch": a safety mechanism that stops a machine or system.

  • The emergency cut-off switch immediately halts the engine. (A safety device.)

Variants and Related Words

• Cut off (verb phrase): to separate or stop abruptly.

  • The storm cut off the power supply. (The storm interrupted the electricity.)
  • He cut off his long hair. (He removed it by cutting.)

• Cut-off (noun, plural): short trousers or pants with the legs cut off.

  • She wore denim cut-offs in the summer. (Shorts made from cut jeans.)

Synonyms

• Limit: a point beyond which something cannot go.
• Boundary: a dividing line or edge.
• Termination: the act of ending something.

Phrasal Verbs

• Cut off: to interrupt or stop communication or supply.

  • The operator cut off the phone call. (The operator ended the call abruptly.)

• Cut off from: to be isolated or separated from others.

  • The village was cut off from the city by the flood. (The village was isolated.)

Related Idioms

• Cut off your nose to spite your face: to act out of revenge in a way that harms yourself.

  • By quitting his job without a backup plan, he cut off his nose to spite his face. (He harmed his own interests.)

• Get cut off: to have your phone line or service disconnected.

  • I got cut off in the middle of our conversation. (The call was terminated unexpectedly.)