switch1 verbswitch2 noun
switchswitch1 /swɪtʃ/ ●●● S2 W3 verb 
VERB TABLE
switch
| Simple Form | ||
| Present | I, you, we, they | switch |
| he, she, it | switches | |
| Past | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | switched |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have switched |
| he, she, it | has switched | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had switched |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will switch |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have switched |
| Continuous Form | ||
| Present | I | am switching |
| he, she, it | is switching | |
| you, we, they | are switching | |
| Past | I, he, she, it | was switching |
| you, we, they | were switching | |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have been switching |
| he, she, it | has been switching | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had been switching |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will be switching |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have been switching |
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- He switched easily and fluently from speaking English to French to German.
- He was accused of switching the price labels on goods.
- I used to play golf but I switched to tennis to get more exercise.
- It took a long time for Americans to switch to smaller cars.
- Professor Rigby's talk may be switched to the main hall.
- We switched seats halfway through the show.
- We must have switched umbrellas by mistake.
- As a result, most of these countries have switched to orthodox fiscal and monetary policies to curb inflation.
- He parked close to where the land sloped downwards to a narrow pebble beach, and switched the engine off.
- He went inside to her living room, switched off the lights on the bushes, and locked the front door.
- It was still switched through to the secretary's office, and it took an infuriatingly long time to get a line.
- She switched to forward when she joined the Tiburon Tornadoes at 14.
- Solbourne's product allows developers to create graphical user interfaces that dynamically switch between Motif and Open Look.
- Then he switched his own torch off.
- Would Parcells select either one, make Willie McGinest a defensive end and switch to a 4-3 defense?
THESAURUS
to give something to someone, and receive a similar thing from them at the same time. Exchange is often used about people telling each other about their ideas, phone numbers, addresses etc: · They exchanged photographs before they met.· a place where people can exchange ideas· We exchanged email addresses.· if you are unhappy with the jacket, you can always take it back and exchange it for another one.· These coupons can be exchanged for meals and accommodation.
to exchange something, especially money. Also used in British English about exchanging something you have bought for something different: · I need to change some dollars.· She changed all her money into euros.· We thought it was time we changed our car for something more modern.
(also do a swap BrE) informal to give something to someone, who gives you something similar: · The two schools use the Internet to swap pictures, stories, and jokes.· I like your room better – do you want to do a swap?
(also do a trade American English) to exchange something that you have for something that someone else has: · The stolen phones are being traded for drugs.· The boys trade sports cards on the playground.· We've got lots of plants we don't need – do you want to do a trade?
to change the places of two or more people or things, so that each one is in the place the other was before: · Can I switch seats with you?
to do or give something, because someone has done or given something similar to you – a rather formal use: · They invited us to dinner a while ago, and I'd like to reciprocate.
if you give something in exchange or in return for something else, you give it in order to get something else back: · Williams will plead guilty in exchange for a reduced sentence.
Longman Language Activatornot paying attention to what is happening · What did the announcers just say? I wasn't paying attention.not pay attention to · When you're young, you don't pay attention to what your parents are saying half the time.
to not pay attention because you are thinking about pleasant things or imagining things that you would like to happen: · Blackthorne was sitting alone in a corner of the garden, daydreaming.daydream about: · Almost anyone who has ever read a good book has daydreamed about writing his or her own best-seller.
British informal to stop paying attention to something because you are bored, or to stop thinking about your work after you have finished in the evening and relax: · In the end I got sick of the conversation and switched off.· It's difficult for teachers to switch off when they go home at night.
British spoken to not be paying attention to anything or anyone around you and seem to be thinking about something very different: · Sorry, I was miles away. What did you say?· I don't mean to disturb you, you looked miles away -- but there's a call for you.
if your mind wanders you are no longer paying attention, usually because you are bored or because something is worrying you: · I tried hard to concentrate, but my mind kept wandering.your mind wanders to/from: · His mind wandered to the things he was trying not to think about.let your mind wander: · Corrinne let her mind wander back to the days when they first met.
someone who is inattentive does not pay attention to something when they are expected to: · Roger was hyperactive and inattentive as a child.· In spite of the inattentive servers and the bad decor, it's worth eating at Leon's for the great cheap food. inattentive to: · The government is still being accused of being inattentive to the plight of the Health Service.
if you lose your concentration , you stop being able to think carefully about what you are doing, for example because you are suddenly interrupted: · Sensing that the team was losing their concentration, Barret called a time out.· With too much homework, children may lose concentration and stop progressing.
to change what you do or use to change from one thing to another so that you have something different from what you had before: · They've changed their phone number.· We had to change the tyre because we had a flat.change to: · Japanese industry is changing to alternative marketing techniques.change from something to something: · We've changed from traditional ways of working to an automated system.change jobs/cars etc (=move from one to another): · Women have to be ambitious and willing to change jobs frequently if they want to get to the top of their profession.change direction/course (=start moving in a new direction): · I tried to follow him but he kept changing direction.change channels (=change from one programme on television to another): · If you don't like the programme you can always change channels.
to change, especially suddenly, from one thing to another: switch to: · I used to play golf but I switched to tennis to get more exercise.· It took a long time for Americans to switch to smaller cars.switch from something to something: · He switched easily and fluently from speaking English to French to German.
to change, especially gradually, from one thing to another: move from: · The book follows the life of Ann Pollock, as she moves from the optimism of young love, through the disastrous years of World War II. move from something to something: · The bank has moved from private client work to banking for large corporations.move away from something: · Many socialists were moving away from faith in revolution towards a fight for reform.
: transfer your affection/allegiance/support etc to change from loving or supporting one person, group etc to loving or supporting another: transfer to: · The generals are transferring their allegiance to their new leader.· Fed up with the disastrous performances of the team he'd been watching for years, he transferred his support to their rivals.
to change from one system to a new one, especially a more modern one: · Britain went over to decimal currency in 1971.· The factory is going over to computerised machinery and many workers are losing their jobs.
to change to a different religion: · In 1976 he converted to Islam.· Large numbers of people are converting to Eastern religions such as Buddhism and Hinduism.
to exchange one thing for another to give something to someone and receive a similar thing from them at the same time: exchange addresses/telephone numbers: · We exchanged addresses and phone numbers.exchange something for something: · Foreign currency can be exchanged for sterling at any bank.
informal to exchange something with someone, especially with someone you know well, so that you each get something that you want: · Jacky had the book I wanted, but wasn't willing to swap.swap something with somebody: · Taylor offered to swap jobs with me.swap something for something: · I'm trying to sell my bike, or swap it for a slightly bigger one.
especially American to exchange something that you have for something that someone else has: · We liked each other's clothes, so we traded.trade something for something: · The West is accused of trading weapons for hostages.I'll trade you spoken (=say this when you want to exchange something): · I'll trade you my baseball for those two cars.
British an informal expression: if two people do a swap with each other they exchange things so that they each get what they want: do a swap with somebody: · If you can't work a particular shift, you can always do a swap with a colleague.
to give your old car, washing machine etc to the shop that you are buying a new one from, so that they will let you buy the new one for a slightly lower price: trade in something: · You can get quite good price reductions on new cars if you trade in your old one.trade something/it/them in: · My car was now six years old, so I traded it in and got a newer one.trade in something for: · They traded in their Porsche for a family car.
British /exchange American to exchange something you have bought or chosen because you have decided you want something different or because there is something wrong with it: · If the trousers are the wrong size you can always change them.change something for something: · Can I exchange this sweater for a black one?
to exchange something that you have for something that you want or need without giving or taking money for it: barter something for something: · In the local market, meat and vegetables are bartered for electrical goods.barter with: · She had some success in bartering with her guards.
to exchange something so that two or more things or people change the places that they are in: · He was accused of switching the price labels on goods.· Professor Rigby's talk may be switched to the main hall.switch seats/places: · We switched seats halfway through the show.
to exchange the place you are standing or sitting on with another person: change places with: · Would you mind changing places with me?
if a group of people who are dancing change partners , they stop dancing with one person and dance with another person in the group: · We agreed to change partners after a couple of dances.
to make a place light to shine lights on a place so that people can see it well, or so that it looks attractive: light up something/light something up: · Fireworks lit up the night sky.· Their garden was lit up by dozens of coloured lamps.
to put lights in a place so that people can see what is happening there: · What are you going to use to light the stage?be lit by/with something: · The room was lit by dozens of candles.
to turn or press a control to make an electric light produce light: · Can you put the light on? I can't see anything!· When I turned on the light, I realized the room was in chaos.
to make a place light or shine light on something so that you can see it, especially in order to draw attention to something: illuminate something: · Small lights illuminate different points on the map.· The blazing fire illuminated the china ornaments above the hearth.be illuminated by/with something: · A small path was illuminated by low orange lamps concealed in the flower beds.
to use one thing instead of something else or change one thing for another to use something new or different instead of something else, especially when cooking: · If plums are difficult to find, figs can be substituted.substitute something for something: · You can substitute margarine for butter in this recipe.
to secretly replace two things without someone knowing: · Someone must have switched the suitcases at the airport when I wasn't paying attention.switch/swap something for something: · Wait till he goes out, then we can swap your book for his.
when a machine, light etc switches on or off automatically if a machine, light etc comes or goes on, it starts working, especially because you have set a time for it to start - use this about things that use electricity, gas, or water: · The heating comes on automatically.· Every so often, our TV just goes on by itself.
if a machine, light etc switches on , it starts working - use this about things that use electricity: · Clap your hands twice, and the light switches on.switch/turn itself on: · Water softening systems turn themselves on at night to clean the system.
if a light goes out , it stops shining, for example because it is broken or because there is no electricity : · Suddenly all the lights went out.· The street lights have a light sensor that makes them automatically go out at dawn.
if a machine, light etc goes off , it stops working - use this about things that use electricity, water, or gas: · The heating goes off at 10:30.· After the 30-car train passed, the flashing red lights went off and the arms blocking traffic went up.
if a machine shuts off or shuts down , it stops operating: · The pump automatically shuts down when no water is flowing.shut itself off/down: · Something caused the computer to switch itself off.
if a machine, light etc switches or turns off , it stops working - use this about things that use electricity: · The bulb inside the refrigerator switches off when you close the door.switch/turn itself off: · If an automatic can opener fails to turn itself off, food is probably jamming the cutter.
to switch something off to make something stop working, for example by pressing a button - use this about things that use electricity, for example, lights, televisions, or computers: switch off something: · Always switch off your computer when you've finished.switch something off: · It's OK - I switched the TV off before I went out.
to make something stop working, for example by pressing a button or turning a tap - use this about things that use electricity, gas, or water: turn off something: · Would you turn off the heater before you go to bed?turn something off: · You forgot to turn the oven off!
to make an engine or a machine stop working: · George stopped the engine and got out of the car.· We had to stop the pump and unblock it.
to press a button that makes a machine stop: · If you want it to stop, just press the red button.
to switch a light off: put out something: · Norma put out the light and went to sleep.put something out: · Could you put the lamp out in the bedroom, please?
to make a light stop working by pressing a button: · Don't forget to turn out the lights when you go to bed, okay Annie?
if you shut off or shut down a machine, you make it stop operating: · The computer automatically shuts off the pump when no water is flowing.· The Department of Energy shut down the reactor because of safety considerations.
to remove the thing that connects a piece of electrical equipment to the main electricity supply, so that it is no longer connected to it: · Did you remember to unplug the kettle?· I was getting a lot of crank calls, so I started unplugging my phone at night.
formal to separate a piece of equipment from the main electricity or gas supply so that it is no longer connected to it: · Once a car has started, the engine would continue to run even if you disconnected the battery.
to switch something on to make something start working, for example by pressing a button - use this about things that use electricity, for example lights, televisions, or computers: switch on something: · Will you switch on the television?· I switched on the radio to listen to the news.switch something on: · Do you mind if I switch the light on?· Exhaust fumes come into the car when I switch on the air conditioner.
to make something start working, for example by turning a tap or pressing a button - use this about things that use electricity, gas, or water: turn on something: · He went into the bathroom and turned on the shower.· Use timers to turn on indoor lights while you are away.turn something on: · Do you want me to turn the lights on?
to make a light, radio etc start working: put the light/radio/TV/kettle etc on: · Eva put the kettle on to make a cup of coffee.· Put the light on, then we can see what we're doing.· It was so cold I put the heating back on.
also start up to make a car, engine, machine etc start working: · She started the car and backed slowly out of the garage.· Clean or replace the air filter before attempting to start the engine.
: get a car/engine/machine etc started/going to succeed in making a car etc start after having some difficulty: · I couldn't get my car started this morning.· He rebuilt the engine and finally got it going.· It took the repairman an hour to get the washing machine going again.
to do something to make a piece of equipment that warns you about something start: set off something: · Someone accidentally set off the fire alarm.· Smoke alarms can be set off by smoke from cigarettes, cooking, and fireplaces.set something off: · The alarm is so sensitive that the slightest movement will set it off.
to make a system start operating - use this especially in technical contexts: · The bomb's firing mechanism is activated by a time-clock.· The smoke activated the sprinkler system.
to make a clock, toy, or other machine that does not have a power supply start moving: · Mr Carey wound up the old clock and gently set the pendulum going.· She pulled the lever that set the pump going and waited for the water.
to press a button which makes a machine start: · What happens when you press this button?· Somebody pushed the alarm button.
to pull a large control that switches on the electricity supply to something: · The Speaker of the House threw the switch for the Christmas tree lights in front of the Capitol building.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRYnouns
I felt inside the doorway and flicked the light switch. I can shut off all the power in the building at the flick of a switch. Anna flipped the switch that opened the front gate. Lily pressed the switch and plunged the room into darkness.
(=start supporting someone or something else)· Three senators switched sides and voted for the ban.
(=start supporting someone else)· Most of his supporters had switched their allegiance to his rival.
(=start watching a different TV channel)· Rod switched channels with the remote control.
· Sensing that his victim was going to escape him, he switched tactics.
· Laura wasn't interested so he switched his attention to Tessa.
· 46% of consumers surveyed were likely to switch brands to support companies they saw as socially responsible,
· The emphasis has switched to defence.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES· I entered the shop and switched off the alarm.
(=start to support a different person, group etc)
· He kept switching channels.
· Always switch off your computer at the end of the day.
· I fastened my seat belt and turned on the engine.
· Maggie pulled over and switched off the engine.
I felt inside the doorway and flicked the light switch. I can shut off all the power in the building at the flick of a switch. Anna flipped the switch that opened the front gate.· Why don't you put the heating on if you're cold?
· We turn the heating off before bed.
· Dorothy switched on the desk lamp.
· He switched off the lamp beside the bed.
· Turn the machine on and slowly add the hot liquid.
· Is the tape machine switched off?
Lily pressed the switch and plunged the room into darkness.· Dad switched on the radio for the eight-thirty news.
· You can turn the radio off, darling, we're not listening to it.
· Manchester United switched tactics in the second half.
· I switched off the television and went to bed.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB· She switched off the light and laughed as if she were innocent, fun-loving.· He switched off the radio, switched off the lamp.· The inner robot switched off, leaving the conscious man to cope with real problems, the immediacy of living.· She switched off the film, she waved for him to sit down.· The lights were switched off and the room left in darkness for several minutes.· At the A227 turn-off I switched off the cassette-player so I could concentrate on the terrain.· As a test, Poole had once switched off the alarm.
· Thacker was not overjoyed to see them, but he played along, switching on the charm.· Genes are not conscious and do not choose to cooperate; they are inanimate molecules switched on and off by chemical messages.· Still in his pyjamas Brian switched on the fountain, and the sudden spurt of water scared the bird away.· Two flashlights were produced, switched on and placed upright on their ends.· Then suddenly the whole scene was illuminated as the runway lights were switched on.· He switched on his torch - there was, of course, no electrical power left.· The phone must be switched on, but you don't have to answer it for the system to work.· Machinery was switched on and chattering away to itself.
· It was like switching over from an old black and white film.· He switched over from manual to remote operation, putting Betty now under control of Hal.· The only way to switch over in Outlook Express is to re-enter Options.· He forgot to switch over fuel tanks, so he thought he ran out of petrol when he didn't.· After the three hour charge-up, the pack is automatically switched over to normal charging, to preserve the battery life.· To see what you've taken, switch over to play and browse through your images.
· The owners of Shetland's 500,000 sheep are being urged to switch to more expensive, more environmentally-friendly products.· If drivers paid the true costs of road use, they might switch to less congested times, or make fewer journeys.· The police switched to regarding her as completely innocent and she became the star witness.· She soon switched to more anthropological methods.
NOUN· Timman unleashed some tactics and the watching grandmasters switched their allegiance.· Behind the scenes, news producers and writers also switched allegiances and jobs.· The reasons they switched their allegiance included anxiety about globalisation, a rejection of political corruption and fear of immigration.· I know that yet again there will be a furore about players switching their allegiance as and when they see fit.· I also noticed how Corin and Alleyn, once we had reached Royston, switched their allegiance to him.
· Then he switched his attention to the impending duel.· By mid-July, the country will switch its attention away from Washington to the far more exciting games in Atlanta.· He was howled down by monarchists of right and left, and the house switched its attention to another speaker.· The leopard now switched his attention to the open, sandy space leading to the water.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES
1[intransitive, transitive] to change from doing or using one thing to doing or using anotherswitch to- One in seven road accidents is caused by drivers falling asleep at the wheel.
- A flick of a switch and the flashing blue lights and two-tone horns shatter the relative peace of the night.
- The flick of a switch can change all this if you install garden lights.
- These days about 15 percent of our energy is obtained at the flick of a switch.
- A reset button is also provided, which is pressed if the charging light fails to illuminate.
- A reset button may be used to cancel operation and a further pushbutton switch used to trigger the unit at any time.
- For security, the reset switch is situated in a secret place and may be key-operated.
- Is it possible to list a program after resetting the game with a reset switch? 2.
- Simply press the reset button twice and the machine boots up into the diagnostic routine.
- You should find that you can change the output states by pressing the appropriate set or reset switch.
- He threw a lever and the twin 1500-horsepower engines roared to life.
- The image of Chantal vanished instantly as though some one had thrown a switch.
She worked as a librarian before switching to journalism.switch from something to something Duval could switch easily from French to English.switch between something and something He switches between TV and theatre work. The terrorists will switch tactics.switch sides/allegiance (=start supporting a different person, party etc) He switched sides just days before the election.switch attention/focus/emphasis We want to switch focus away from criticism.2[transitive] to replace one thing with another, or exchange things SYN changeswitch something for something Tim may switch his BMW for something else.switch something from something to something We’ve switched the meeting from Tuesday to Thursday.switch something around It’s not easy to switch clerical workers around.3[intransitive, transitive] American English if you switch with someone who does the same job as you, you exchange your working times with theirs for a short time SYN swapswitch with Tom said he’d switch with me on Saturday. He asked if we could switch shifts.4[transitive always + adverb/preposition] to change the way a machine operates, using a switchswitch something to something Switch the freezer to ‘defrost’.COLLOCATIONSnounsswitch sides (=start supporting someone or something else)· Three senators switched sides and voted for the ban.switch (your) allegiance (=start supporting someone else)· Most of his supporters had switched their allegiance to his rival.switch channels (=start watching a different TV channel)· Rod switched channels with the remote control.switch tactics· Sensing that his victim was going to escape him, he switched tactics.switch your attention/focus to something· Laura wasn't interested so he switched his attention to Tessa.switch brands· 46% of consumers surveyed were likely to switch brands to support companies they saw as socially responsible,the emphasis switches/is switched to something· The emphasis has switched to defence.switch off phrasal verb1to turn off a machine, light, radio etc using a switchswitch something ↔ off The burglar alarm was switched off. Don’t forget to switch off before you go.2informal to stop listening to someone: He just switches off and ignores me.3to relax for a short time: Switch off by listening to music.switch on phrasal verb to turn on a machine, light, radio etc using a switchswitch something ↔ on He switched the torch on. The lights switch on automatically when it gets dark.switch over phrasal verb1to change from one method, product etc to anotherswitch over to We’ve switched over to telephone banking.2to change the television channel you are watching or the radio station you are listening toswitch over to Switch over to BBC 2.switch1 verbswitch2 noun
switchswitch2 ●●● S3 noun [countable] WORD ORIGINswitch2
Origin:
1500-1600 Perhaps from Middle Dutch swijch ‘small thin stick’EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- A switch to complete different new foods may cause stomach upsets.
- a light switch
- His sudden switches of mood are difficult to deal with.
- The switch from political activity to family life was hard to handle.
- The switch to a free market economy will not be easy.
- Where's the power switch?
- Additional features include an IrDA interface for wireless connection and a locking switch for printer transport.
- All other flying leads for the switches and indicators are at low voltage and these can be soldered directly to the p.c.b.
- For example, if the price of metal rises too high there may be a switch to plastic.
- In a surprise switch, he heads into soft-edged landscape in a fifth work.
- Jim walked over to the overhead, placed a transparency on it, and flicked on the lamp switch.
- Then, he flicked a switch and stood well back.
- There is a board in the reception office, cashier's office and housekeeper's office with a switch in every bedroom.
Longman Language Activatora change from one thing to another
· After a number of career changes, she settled into a job with a major bank.change of · The police must be notified of any change of address.· There are even more broken promises with every change of government.change to · If you are thinking about a change to a different part of the country you will need to use your vacation to look for accommodation.change from something to something · French people were asked how they felt about the change from the franc to the Euro.
a complete, and usually sudden, change from one thing to another: switch to: · A switch to completly different new foods may cause stomach upsets.switch from something to something: · The switch from political activity to family life was hard to handle.switch of: · His sudden switches of mood are difficult to deal with.
a change from one job or type of work to another: · Let's face it -- going from an academic life to the world of business is never an easy move.move to: · It's probably time to think about a move to a new job.· This picture marks the move to the big screen of some of our best television comedians.
a change to an opposite process or effect: · The profits of supermarkets declined until 1975 when a reversal began.reversal of: · This appears to be a complete reversal of government policy.· The Second World War saw a dramatic reversal of traditional attitudes towards women.reversal
a complete change in the plans of a government or political party so that it decides to do the opposite of what it originally said it would do: · The party lost all public support after a series of U-turns and policy failures.do a U-turn: · The government was forced to do a U-turn after angry protests about their taxation policy.
to switch something on to make something start working, for example by pressing a button - use this about things that use electricity, for example lights, televisions, or computers: switch on something: · Will you switch on the television?· I switched on the radio to listen to the news.switch something on: · Do you mind if I switch the light on?· Exhaust fumes come into the car when I switch on the air conditioner.
to make something start working, for example by turning a tap or pressing a button - use this about things that use electricity, gas, or water: turn on something: · He went into the bathroom and turned on the shower.· Use timers to turn on indoor lights while you are away.turn something on: · Do you want me to turn the lights on?
to make a light, radio etc start working: put the light/radio/TV/kettle etc on: · Eva put the kettle on to make a cup of coffee.· Put the light on, then we can see what we're doing.· It was so cold I put the heating back on.
also start up to make a car, engine, machine etc start working: · She started the car and backed slowly out of the garage.· Clean or replace the air filter before attempting to start the engine.
: get a car/engine/machine etc started/going to succeed in making a car etc start after having some difficulty: · I couldn't get my car started this morning.· He rebuilt the engine and finally got it going.· It took the repairman an hour to get the washing machine going again.
to do something to make a piece of equipment that warns you about something start: set off something: · Someone accidentally set off the fire alarm.· Smoke alarms can be set off by smoke from cigarettes, cooking, and fireplaces.set something off: · The alarm is so sensitive that the slightest movement will set it off.
to make a system start operating - use this especially in technical contexts: · The bomb's firing mechanism is activated by a time-clock.· The smoke activated the sprinkler system.
to make a clock, toy, or other machine that does not have a power supply start moving: · Mr Carey wound up the old clock and gently set the pendulum going.· She pulled the lever that set the pump going and waited for the water.
to press a button which makes a machine start: · What happens when you press this button?· Somebody pushed the alarm button.
to pull a large control that switches on the electricity supply to something: · The Speaker of the House threw the switch for the Christmas tree lights in front of the Capitol building.
WORD SETSAC, accessory, nounadapter, nounaerosol, nounalarm, nounarm, nounash, nounattaché case, nounbag, nounbar, nounbarrel, nounbeep, verbbeeswax, nounbell, nounbelly, nounbelt, nounbench, nounbenzine, nounbinding, nounbiro, nounbolt, nounbooth, nounbox, nounbox, verbbrad, nounbriefcase, nounbristle, nounbrolly, nounbrush, nounbucket, nounbuckle, nounbuffer, nounbulb, nounBulldog clip, nounbulletin board, nounbullhorn, nounbung, nounbunting, nounbusiness card, nounbutt, nounbutton, nounbuzzer, nouncable, nouncalling card, nouncan, nouncandle, nouncane, nouncarbon, nouncarbon copy, nouncarbon paper, nouncard, nouncardboard, nouncardboard, adjectivecardboard cut-out, nouncard catalog, nouncarrier, nouncarrier bag, nouncarryall, nouncart, nouncarton, nouncartridge, nouncase, nouncaster, nouncatch, nounCellophane, nouncesspit, nounchain, nounchalice, nounchannel, nounchart, nounchute, nouncitronella, nounclamp, nouncleat, nounclip, nounclipboard, nouncomb, nouncombination lock, nouncompartment, nouncord, nouncrank, nouncrate, nouncrepe paper, nouncycle, noundetector, noundial, noundigital, adjectivedisposable, adjectivedrape, verbdrawing pin, noundryer, noundurable goods, nounDurex, nounearplug, nounelastic band, nouneraser, nouneyelet, nounfabric, nounfelt-tip pen, nounfemale, adjectivefence, nounfiberglass, nounfibreglass, nounfigurine, nounfilament, nounfile, verbFilofax, nounfire extinguisher, nounfirewood, nounfitness, nounflag, nounflagon, nounflagstaff, nounflashlight, nounflat, adjectivefloodlight, nounfoam, nounfoam, verbfog, verbfolder, nounfoolscap, nounforecourt, nounfountain, nounfountain pen, nounframe, nounfunnel, nounfuse, noungadget, noungadgetry, noungargle, verbgas, nounglue, noungoggles, noungold card, noungranny knot, noungravel, noungravelled, adjectivegravelly, adjectivegrease, noungreetings card, noungrommet, noungum, noungun, noungunnysack, noungut, nounhand-held, adjectivehandle, nounhandloom, nounharness, nounhasp, nounhealth, nounhessian, nounhinge, nounhip, nounhoarding, nounhoist, nounholder, nounhook, nounhoop, nounhooter, nounhose, nounhosepipe, nounhub, nounhygiene, nounhygienic, adjectiveillness, nounindented, adjectiveinflatable, adjectiveingrained, adjectiveink, nouninn, nouninnkeeper, nouninsoluble, adjectiveivory, nounjacket, nounjack-knife, nounjoss stick, nounjuggle, verbkey, nounkeypad, nounkey ring, nounKleenex, nounknife, nounknob, nounlabel, nounladder, nounlantern, nounlatch, nounlatchkey, nounlather, nounlather, verbLCD, nounlead, nounlectern, nounlegal pad, nounlens, nounletterbox, nounlever, nounlibrary, nounlid, nounlidded, adjectivelift, nounlight, nounlight bulb, nounlink, nounlinseed oil, nounlitter bin, nounlock, nounlodestone, nounlog, nounloop, verblost property, nounmagnet, nounmagnetic, adjectivemagnifying glass, nounmale, adjectivemantle, nounmanual, adjectivemarker, nounmarker pen, nounmarket day, nounmast, nounmastic, nounmatchstick, nounmaterial, nounmeter, nounmeths, nounmode, nounmortar, nounmortise lock, nounmould, nounmounting, nounmovement, nounnail, nounnameplate, nounnet, nounnib, nounnipple, nounnon-standard, adjectivenoose, nounnotebook, nounnotepad, nounnoticeboard, nounnozzle, nounnut, nounoil, verboilcan, nounoily, adjectiveorb, nounoutfit, nounoutlet, nounovernight, adverbpack, verbpackage, nounpad, nounpad, verbpadlock, nounpaintwork, nounpantyliner, nounpaper, nounpaperclip, nounpasserby, nounpaste, verbpasteboard, nounpatron, nounpatronage, nounpatronize, verbpattern, nounpaving, nounpearl, nounpen, nounpenknife, nounpicket fence, nounpillbox, nounpince-nez, nounpinhead, nounpipe, nounpix, nounpizza parlor, nounplug, nounpocket, nounpocketbook, nounpocket calculator, nounpocket knife, nounpointer, nounpoison, nounpole, nounportfolio, nounPost-it, nounpowder, nounpowdered, adjectivepropellant, nounpropelling pencil, nounpump-action, adjectivePX, nounquarter, verbrack, nounreceptionist, nounreel, nounrefill, nounreflector, nounrefrigerate, verbregimen, nounreservation, nounreserve, verbsachet, nounsack, nounscratchpad, nounscratch paper, nounscreen, nounsealant, nounsealer, nounsearchlight, nounseason ticket, nounseat, nounself-assembly, adjectiveseptic tank, nounservice, nounservice, verbsetting, nounshade, nounsharpener, nounshovel, nounshovel, verbshovelful, nounsilver paper, nounsiphon, nounslat, nounslice, verbslot machine, nounslug, nounsmoke, nounsoot, nounsort, nounspare part, nounspigot, nounsponge, nounspool, nounspout, nounspray, nounspray can, nounspray paint, nounspring, nounstaff, nounstake, nounstalk, nounstandard, nounstaple, nounstapler, nounstationery, nounsteam, nounsteam clean, verbsteel, nounsteel wool, nounstepladder, nounstick, verbstick, nounsticker, nounstilt, nounstopper, nounstorm lantern, nounstrap, nounstreamer, nounstring, nounstub, nounsucker, nounSuperglue, nounswipe, verbswitch, nounswivel, nountab, nountack, nountag, nountag, verbtank, nountap, nountape, nountassel, nountattle, verbtea break, nounthong, nounthread, nountime-saving, adjectivetinder, nountinderbox, nountissue, nountop, nountote bag, nountowel, verbtray, nountrolley, nountube, nountubing, nountwine, nountwo-way mirror, nounumbrella, nounvent, nounvial, nounwaiting room, nounwasher, nounwaste paper, nounwatch, nounwaterspout, nounwheeled, adjectivewhistle, verbwooden, adjectivewriting paper, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRYverbs I felt inside the doorway and flicked the light switch. I can shut off all the power in the building at the flick of a switch. Anna flipped the switch that opened the front gate. Lily pressed the switch and plunged the room into darkness.
· He pressed a switch on the wall and the door opened.
(=move it so something starts or stops)· You start the fan by just flipping this switch.
(=move it so something starts or stops, especially something big)· Could a nuclear war really be started by someone just throwing a switch?
ADJECTIVES/NOUN + switch· He reached for the light switch.
(=a switch that can change the brightness of a light)
· I couldn’t find the on-off switch.
· They have reverted to placing the mains power switch at the back of the unit.
(=one that controls the supply of electricity to a house)· The mains switch is located inside a cupboard near the front door.
phrases (=very quickly and easily, with a switch)· The advantages of having electricity available at the flick of a switch are obvious.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES· I entered the shop and switched off the alarm.
(=start to support a different person, group etc)
· He kept switching channels.
· Always switch off your computer at the end of the day.
· I fastened my seat belt and turned on the engine.
· Maggie pulled over and switched off the engine.
I felt inside the doorway and flicked the light switch. I can shut off all the power in the building at the flick of a switch. Anna flipped the switch that opened the front gate.· Why don't you put the heating on if you're cold?
· We turn the heating off before bed.
· Dorothy switched on the desk lamp.
· He switched off the lamp beside the bed.
· Turn the machine on and slowly add the hot liquid.
· Is the tape machine switched off?
Lily pressed the switch and plunged the room into darkness.· Dad switched on the radio for the eight-thirty news.
· You can turn the radio off, darling, we're not listening to it.
· Manchester United switched tactics in the second half.
· I switched off the television and went to bed.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE· If spots or downlights are bought, they're often used without benefit of a dimmer switch.· Roma table Grillo low-voltage tungsten halogen lamp with dimmer switch.
· If it wasn't light switches, it would be wall brackets.· How about light switches that clicked on loudly enough to be heard down the hall?· His hand groped around the wall just inside the door, feeling for the light switch.· Instead of having a light switch in every room, everyone carries their own light switch with them.· Whilst Hennessy was talking to the soldier outside, Donaldson found a light switch for three unshaded bulbs high in the rafters.· The basement, it turned out, had a light switch.· Rising to his feet, he touched the light switch, dispelling the gathering gloom, before striding through to his office.· But it was as if some one turned on a light switch in Franklin.
· You will soon notice the difference if you make a sudden switch between the two.· Employees of an outdoor-sports store in Tempe, they hiked in silence, hoping against a sudden switch in the wind.· At home the sudden switch from inflation and boom to stagnation and slump in a few months made changes in policy inevitable.· Lotus has been badly bruised by the sudden switch to Windows.
NOUN· Nothing is more conducive to inducing mains spikes than heavy duty switch gear.· What caused the switch gear to fail is still being investigated.
· The lights were obviously controlled from some master switch for they went on without a sound.· The phones were dead until Leese flipped the master switch.
· It ha six free 16-bit slots, but the power switch cable blocks access to one full-length expansion card.· Finally she left the room, only to turn off the power switch, which plunged the house into darkness.· Hall still appears ready to pull out and spark another power switch.· Guy flipped on the power switch and caught up, pacing the other rider for several miles.· An unexpected feature is the design of the power switch.· Controls on the machine comprise three buttons, a power switch and two for head cleaning and ink replacement.
· The controls are standard volume and tone, with a three-way pickup selector switch.
· Installing 1E5.x's Web Accessories pack will lob an image toggle switch on your toolbar.· Racks of black instrument panels lined with banks of silver toggle switches surround the pilot.· The toggle switch is two-position, and flicking it on takes the sound straight to a pre-determined setting.· The toggle switch selects either pickup or both, in time honoured fashion.· The expected toggle switch controls the pickup selections, but in a rather cunning fashion.
VERB· Amy flicked switches and her enormous kitchen sprang into life.· I flicked the switch back again, to undo whatever! might have done.· I kept thinking about the cockroaches, every now and then flicking on the switch to see if they were there.· Then, he flicked a switch and stood well back.· Manolo flicked a switch and brought up the other figure. 0012.· I went over and tapped on the door, then flicked the switch alongside it.· Chapter Twenty one Urquhart flicked the main switch and she blinked as the room was washed by the harsh overhead light.· Jim walked over to the overhead, placed a transparency on it, and flicked on the lamp switch.
· He flipped a switch and the front door opened.· What if you forget to flip the switch reactivating the air bags and then hit another car head on?· MPEG-2 will succeed MPEG-1, but not by flipping a factory switch.· Glover watched light drain out of both him and Paul as if some one had flipped a switch.· The phones were dead until Leese flipped the master switch.· He flew a certain route, flipped the mission switches.· Guy flipped on the power switch and caught up, pacing the other rider for several miles.
· As it approached, a guard stepped forward and hit a switch.· On this idea, government should hit the off switch.· I fumbled my way into the living-room and closed the door behind me before hitting the light switch.· Duncan hit the emergency stow switch, next to the indicator with the failed bulb.
· The driver pressed the switch fully down and the beam became of blinding intensity.· This allowed me to select words from a series of menus on the screen by pressing a switch in my hand.· Lily moved away from him and pressed the switch that plunged the room into darkness.· Her fingers pressed the switches and the lights on the ceiling of the incident room flickered into life.· Bienvida pressed the light switch but the bulb was long used-up and no one had replaced it.· The figure pressed a switch on the wall and the bars of the cage disappeared.· In the test the subjects were required to learn to press a given switch out of four available in response to a given light.
· Creed dipped a hand into his pocket and set the switch that would charge the Nikon's flash.· The manual for the drive will indicate how to set these switches.· Maximum blade cutting speeds are controlled by a dial set into the trigger switch.
· The image of Chantal vanished instantly as though some one had thrown a switch.· The guides lead you into the chamber and throw the switch for the electric lights.· Investigative sources said the cockpit crew probably threw the switches and moved the levers in a hasty effort to correct a problem.
· But the moment I turned the switch, it was very bad.· The Viscount ushered us inside, and turned a massive switch set in the wall.· NonimmediateLight a fire, build up the steam, turn on a switch, and a linear system awakens.· There are other kinds of generalized seizures that are basically inhibitory, like briefly turning off a switch.· One consequence is that the viewer watches only what appears at moments when he happens to have time to turn the switch.· Finally she left the room, only to turn off the power switch, which plunged the house into darkness.· Even turning the switch had its analogy.· But it was as if some one turned on a light switch in Franklin.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES
1on/off a piece of equipment that starts or stops the flow of electricity to a machine, light etc when you push it: - One in seven road accidents is caused by drivers falling asleep at the wheel.
- A flick of a switch and the flashing blue lights and two-tone horns shatter the relative peace of the night.
- The flick of a switch can change all this if you install garden lights.
- These days about 15 percent of our energy is obtained at the flick of a switch.
- A reset button is also provided, which is pressed if the charging light fails to illuminate.
- A reset button may be used to cancel operation and a further pushbutton switch used to trigger the unit at any time.
- For security, the reset switch is situated in a secret place and may be key-operated.
- Is it possible to list a program after resetting the game with a reset switch? 2.
- Simply press the reset button twice and the machine boots up into the diagnostic routine.
- You should find that you can change the output states by pressing the appropriate set or reset switch.
- He threw a lever and the twin 1500-horsepower engines roared to life.
- The image of Chantal vanished instantly as though some one had thrown a switch.
Where’s the light switch? an on–off switchpress/flick/throw etc a switch Tom flicked the switch, but nothing happened. She claims she is willing to throw the switch of the electric chair.at the flick of a switch (=very quickly and easily, by pressing a switch) Petrol can be chosen at the flick of a switch.2change [usually singular] a complete change from one thing to another: an important policy switchswitch from/to the switch from agriculture to dairy productionswitch in a switch in emphasis More shoppers are making the switch to organic food.that’s a switch American English spoken informal (=used to say that someone’s behaviour is different from usual) ‘Ed’s the only one who’s not eating.’ ‘That’s a switch!’3railway American English a piece of railway track that can be moved to allow a train to cross over from one track to another4stick old-fashioned a thin stick that bends easilyCOLLOCATIONSverbspress a switch· He pressed a switch on the wall and the door opened.flick/flip a switch (=move it so something starts or stops)· You start the fan by just flipping this switch.throw a switch (=move it so something starts or stops, especially something big)· Could a nuclear war really be started by someone just throwing a switch?ADJECTIVES/NOUN + switcha light switch· He reached for the light switch.a dimmer switch (=a switch that can change the brightness of a light)an on-off switch· I couldn’t find the on-off switch.the power switch· They have reverted to placing the mains power switch at the back of the unit.the mains switch (=one that controls the supply of electricity to a house)· The mains switch is located inside a cupboard near the front door.phrasesat the flick/touch of a switch (=very quickly and easily, with a switch)· The advantages of having electricity available at the flick of a switch are obvious.