wire-cutter

A worker uses a wire-cutter to trim a fence.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A tool for cutting wire: "wire-cutter" refers to a hand tool designed specifically for cutting through wire, typically made of metal and featuring sharp, hardened jaws or blades.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The electrician used a wire-cutter to trim the excess cable. (A tool for cutting wire, used by a professional.)
  • She bought a new wire-cutter at the hardware store for her DIY project. (A tool purchased for a specific task.)

Advanced Usage

• "to use a wire-cutter": to operate this tool for cutting wire.

  • He used a wire-cutter to strip the insulation from the copper wire. (He employed the tool to remove protective coating.)

• "a pair of wire-cutters": the tool is often referred to in plural form, as it has two handles and cutting edges.

  • She handed me a pair of wire-cutters to cut the metal mesh. (The tool is considered as a set of cutters.)

Variants and Related Words

• Wire (n): a thin, flexible thread of metal.

  • The wire was too thick for the scissors, so she needed a wire-cutter. (The metal thread required a specific tool.)

• Cutter (n): a tool or device for cutting.

  • A wire-cutter is a type of cutter designed for a specific material. (A general category of cutting tools.)

Synonyms

• Diagonal pliers: a type of pliers used for cutting wire, often with angled jaws.
• Side cutters: another term for wire-cutters, emphasizing the cutting action from the side.

Phrasal Verbs

• Cut through: to sever or divide using a cutting tool.
  • The wire-cutter can cut through steel wire easily. (The tool is capable of severing the material.)

Related Idioms

• Cut the wire: to sever a connection, often used metaphorically.
  • The spy had to cut the wire to disable the alarm. (This idiom uses the literal action of cutting a wire, but the word "wire-cutter" is the tool for that action.)