PhrasesHub

turning off

    Definitions

      • discourage someone
        Advise against engaging in a particular activity or task, cautioning that it will not result in any positive outcome or benefit

      • causing someone to lose interest
        Describing something that causes someone to lose interest or enthusiasm

      • making someone feel repelled
        Describing something that makes someone feel repelled or repulsed

    Examples of turning off

    • The TV was turned off by my brother after he finished watching his favorite show.

      In this example, "turning off" is used as a verb in the passive voice to describe the action of switching off the TV.

    • She turned off her phone during the meeting to avoid any distractions.

      Here, "turning off" is used as a verb to describe the action of switching off the phone.

    • After the power cut, all the lights in the room turned off automatically.

      In this example, "turning off" is used as a noun in the passive voice to describe the state of the lights being switched off due to the power cut.

    • The movie ended with the lights turning off, signaling the end of the screening.

      Here, "turning off" is used as a noun in the passive voice to describe the action of switching off the lights at the end of the movie.

    • She turned off her laptop and turned off the lights before leaving the room.

      In this example, "turning off" is used in two different parts of the sentence. In the first instance, it refers to the literal act of powering down a laptop. In the second instance, it refers to the figurative act of switching off lights to conserve energy or prepare the room for an upcoming activity.

    • After the argument, he turned off his emotions and put on a fake smile to avoid further conflict.

      Here, "turning off" is used metaphorically to describe the act of suppressing or ignoring one's feelings, often as a coping mechanism in emotionally challenging situations.

    • The curtain closed, and the stage went dark, turning off the show for the night.

      In this example, "turning off" is used to describe the end of a theatrical performance, which is symbolically represented by the darkness that replaces the brightness of the stage lights.

    • I turned off my phone during dinner to avoid any distractions and connect with my loved ones.

      Lastly, "turning off" is used to describe the act of disconnecting from digital devices, usually to prioritize social interactions, mental well-being, or to focus on other important activities.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "turning off" can be used to discourage someone from a particular activity or task, to describe something that causes someone to lose interest or enthusiasm, or to refer to something that makes someone feel repelled or repulsed.

    Origin of "turning off"

    The origin of the idiom "turning off" is unclear, but it likely comes from the idea of a switch or dial that can be turned to stop or decrease something. The use of "turning off" to discourage someone or describe something as repelling may stem from the physical act of turning off a device or mechanism, which stops its function or appeal. Over time, this concept evolved into a figurative expression used to convey the idea of discouraging or repelling. The idiom is now commonly used in everyday language to convey these meanings. For example, "His negative attitude is really turning off potential customers."