rede elétrica; alimentação principal; prato principal
1. The principal electric power supply system in a building or region
The house is connected to the mains for electricity.
A casa está conectada à rede elétrica principal.
2. The main water supply pipes or sewage system in an area
The village water comes from the mains.
A água da aldeia vem da rede principal de abastecimento.
3. The principal course of a meal (mainly British usage)
For mains, I'll have the fish and chips.
Para o prato principal, vou querer fish and chips.
4. Main sails of a ship
The sailor adjusted the mains before departure.
O marinheiro ajustou as velas principais antes da partida.
The term 'mains' is primarily British English. In American English, 'main supply' or 'main power' is more common for electricity, and 'main course' or 'entree' is used for dining. In Brazil, technical terms like 'rede elétrica' are more commonly used in everyday speech.
Related Idioms & Phrases
off the mains - disconnected from the main power supply
on the mains - connected to the main utility supply
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