Meaning trap

cut off

stop supply (water, money, etc.)

To stop providing something that someone needs, like water, gas, or financial support.

phrasal verbB2common

Don't mix these meanings

Same phrase, different job.

stop supply (water, money, etc.)

To stop providing something that someone needs, like water, gas, or financial support.

cut off (disconnect (phone, electricity, etc.))

Another meaning of 'cut off' is 'disconnect (phone, electricity, etc.)'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

If you don't pay the bill, the water company might cut off your supply.money
Some parents cut off financial support when their children finish university to encourage independence.IELTS speaking

Pattern: cut sb/sth off (often passive)

WrongThe company cut off us because we didn't pay.

RightThe company cut us off because we didn't pay.

With a pronoun, the object goes in the middle: 'cut us off', not 'cut off us'.

Patterncut sb/sth off (often passive)

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff The utility company discontinued our water supply.

Natural They cut off our water.

'Cut off' is what everyone says about losing a utility; 'discontinued our water supply' is a billing letter.

Words that usually travel with it.

Different from 'run out', which means something finishes naturally.

cut off (disconnect (phone, electricity, etc.)) — Another meaning of 'cut off' is 'disconnect (phone, electricity, etc.)'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.