Meaning trap

cut off

disconnect (phone, electricity, etc.)

To stop a service like a phone call, electricity, or internet from working, often suddenly or by accident.

phrasal verbB1common

Don't mix these meanings

Same phrase, different job.

disconnect (phone, electricity, etc.)

To stop a service like a phone call, electricity, or internet from working, often suddenly or by accident.

cut off (stop supply (water, money, etc.))

Another meaning of 'cut off' is 'stop supply (water, money, etc.)'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

My phone call was cut off in the middle of our conversation.technology
During the interview, my internet was cut off, so I had to reconnect and apologize to the interviewer.IELTS speaking

Pattern: cut sb/sth off (often passive)

WrongSorry, my phone cut off me.

RightSorry, I got cut off. / We got cut off.

Use the passive 'got cut off' — you don't say 'cut off me'.

Patterncut sb/sth off (often passive)

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff Our telephone conversation was unexpectedly terminated.

Natural We got cut off.

'We got cut off' is exactly what people say when a call drops; the formal version is bizarre in conversation.

Words that usually travel with it.

Not the same as 'hang up', which means ending a call on purpose.

cut off (stop supply (water, money, etc.)) — Another meaning of 'cut off' is 'stop supply (water, money, etc.)'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.