1 C1 idiomatic informal
Regional American English for turning on or activating a device, appliance, or light.
"Cut on the lights, would you? I can't see a thing in here."
separable
cut on
C1 informal separable transitive
A regional American expression meaning to turn on or activate a device or light.
In plain English
To turn on something like a light or a TV. Used mainly in the Southern United States.
What does "cut on" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Usage tip
Strongly associated with Southern American English dialects. Not understood or used in most other English-speaking regions. The opposite is 'cut off' (to turn off), also regional. Learners should note that 'turn on' is the standard equivalent.
Words that pair with "cut on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
light TV radio fan heat air conditioning
How to conjugate "cut on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
cut on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
cuts on
he/she/it
Past simple
cut on
yesterday
Past participle
cut on
have + pp
-ing form
cutting on
continuous
Hear "cut on" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "cut on" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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