Words / B1

POW-uh-kut/ˈpaʊə kʌt/

A power cut (id: power-cut) is a period when the electricity supply stops (UK). A blackout is a close twin; a fuse trip is often only one circuit. Exams: a power cut still stops the clock; phones are not a light in the hall.

Meaning

A period when the electricity supply stops (UK; also a blackout).

Examples

• “A power cut during the exam still stops the clock; phones are not a light in the hall.”
• “A planned power cut for the substation is on the council notice, not a rumour in the staff room.”

Good to know

a power cut (UK). Close: a blackout. Contrast: a fuse / a trip. Exams / NHS wards. Countable events. US: a power outage. Mix-up: a shortcut is a quicker route.

Near in meaning

blackout, outage

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