ตัดไฟ

Explanation

The word combines ตัด, “to cut,” with ไฟ, “electricity.” Its core image is interrupting the flow of electrical power. It commonly refers to disconnecting a breaker, circuit, building, or power supply. It is also used when a utility company disconnects service because of an unpaid bill. The passive form ถูกตัดไฟ means “to have one’s electricity disconnected.” The fixed idiom ตัดไฟแต่ต้นลม means to take action before a problem grows, similar to “nip a problem in the bud.”

Usage

It is used during electrical work and equipment repair, in fire or electrical-hazard instructions, when power to a building is shut down, and when utility service is disconnected for nonpayment. It appears in everyday speech as well as news reports, official notices, and safety procedures.

Caution

ตัดไฟ by itself does not normally carry the figurative meaning of preventing a problem early; use the full idiom ตัดไฟแต่ต้นลม. To mean “put out a fire,” use ดับไฟ instead.

1 cut off the electricity synonyms

• งดจ่ายไฟ

  งดจ่ายไฟ is a more official expression for suspending the supply of electricity, especially by a utility provider. ตัดไฟ is more general and also covers disconnecting a circuit for safety.

• ปิดไฟ

  pìt fay turn off the light(s)

  ปิดไฟ usually means to turn off a light or electrical device. ตัดไฟ means to disconnect the electrical flow or supply itself.