switch off
/swɪtʃ ɒf/
Meaning
To stop the flow of electricity to an appliance or device by pressing a button or flipping a switch. It can also be used metaphorically to mean stopping attention or relaxing after a long day.
Examples
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Please switch off the lights when you leave the conference room.
Please switch off the lights when you leave the conference room.
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Don't forget to switch off your computer before going home.
Don't forget to switch off your computer before going home.
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It is hard for me to switch off my brain after a busy day at the office.
It is hard for me to switch off my brain after a busy day at the office.
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You should switch off your phone during the movie.
You should switch off your phone during the movie.
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The machine will switch off automatically after ten minutes of inactivity.
The machine will switch off automatically after ten minutes of inactivity.
Common Mistakes
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✗ Please switch off the candle.
✓ Please blow out the candle.
'Switch off' is only used for electrical devices or things with switches, not open flames.
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✗ I need to switch out my phone.
✓ I need to switch off my phone.
'Switch out' means to replace something with something else, whereas 'switch off' means to turn it off.
Related Expressions
Practice
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Remember to ___ the television before you go to sleep.
💡 Turn off an electronic device.
Show answer
switch off
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I like to go hiking on weekends to ___ from work stress.
💡 Mentally disconnect.
Show answer
switch off