Question
17 January
- Spanish (Spain)
-
English (UK)
-
English (US)
-
French (France)
Question about English (US)
WHAT DOES THIS MEANING FOR "CUT IN" IN THIS EXPLANATION FROM GOOGLE DOWN BELOW??
(of a motor or other mechanical device) begin operating, especially when triggered automatically by an electrical signal.
"seconds later the emergency generators cut in"
WHAT DOES THIS MEANING FOR "CUT IN" IN THIS EXPLANATION FROM GOOGLE DOWN BELOW??
(of a motor or other mechanical device) begin operating, especially when triggered automatically by an electrical signal.
"seconds later the emergency generators cut in"
(of a motor or other mechanical device) begin operating, especially when triggered automatically by an electrical signal.
"seconds later the emergency generators cut in"
Answers
When you "disagree" with an answer
The owner of it will not be notified.
Only the user who asked this question will see who disagreed with this answer.
Read more comments
- English (US)
Here, it means to turn on.
Highly-rated answerer
- Spanish (Spain)
- Spanish (Spain)
- English (US)
No, you can't say that.
"cut in" is an idiom, a phrasal verb.
"the fans will cut in 2 hours."
This has an entirely different meaning. This means the fans will cut something (not turn on) in 2 hours.
"the fans will cut in in 2 hours." would be technically correct but it wouldn't be used.
Highly-rated answerer
- English (US)
"To cut in" isn't an idiom, it is a phrasal verb though. These are the 3 main meanings of "to cut in." 1: to thrust oneself into a position between others or belonging to another. 2: to join in something suddenly cut in on the conversation. 3: to interrupt a dancing couple and take one as one's partner. (From Merriam-Webster)
In the original sentence, the first definition is used, because the backup generators take the place of the original power source.
You could use "cut in" in that sentence, but the context would have to fit the meaning. For example:
There is no source of cooling and it is hot, so people are given handheld fans to use in the meantime until the electric fans cut in.
Highly-rated answerer
- English (US)
phrasal verb
an idiomatic phrase consisting of a verb and another element, typically either an adverb, as in break down, or a preposition, for example see to, or a combination of both, such as look down on.
Highly-rated answerer
- English (US)
@ralph3b499 Sorry, my mistake. I assumed all idioms had a meaning that you can't understand from the literal meaning of the words, but apparently it's "most" not "all."
Highly-rated answerer
[News] Hey you! The one learning a language!
Do you know how to improve your language skills❓ All you have to do is have your writing corrected by a native speaker!
With HiNative, you can have your writing corrected by native speakers for free ✍️✨.
With HiNative, you can have your writing corrected by native speakers for free ✍️✨.
Sign up
Newest Questions
- He uses his fans to be more popular.
- I want to make sure how to use “… my life”. Which is correct? Or, what preposition should I put b...
- What does the following audio clip say?
- Are you ok with sharing your life with us? Is the sentence above right?
- My father accuses me when I’m any way he doesn’t like. Does this sound natural?
Topic Questions
- jump in line cut in line Which one do you use?
- “I wish there would be no Covid-19 at this time next year.” ←Is this correct? I was taught we don...
- "Is childcare available on location?'' This question was posted on a shopping mall page. (Som...
- what does implication mean in your own simple words please
- "Food coma" means people feel tired after meals?
Recommended Questions
- what is correct? Where are you study? Or Where do you study? Thank you.
- How to respond to "I hope you are doing well"?
- what should I answer with "How's your day?" "How's It going?" example plz can I say "pretty good"?
- If you are not the correct person, please direct me the correct one. Does this sentence sound nat...
- Which one is correct ? "thank you for checking up on me" or "checking in on me"? And is it a pro...
Previous question/ Next question
What’s this symbol?
The Language Level symbol shows a user's proficiency in the languages they're interested in. Setting your Language Level helps other users provide you with answers that aren't too complex or too simple.
-
Beginner
Has difficulty understanding even short answers in this language.
-
Beginner-Intermediate
Can ask simple questions and can understand simple answers.
-
Intermediate
Can ask all types of general questions and can understand longer answers.
-
Advanced
Can understand long, complex answers.
Sign up for premium, and you can play other user's audio/video answers.
Tired of searching? HiNative can help you find that answer you're looking for.
