interruptores/chaves/comutadores
1. Plural noun: Devices that control the flow of electrical current by breaking or completing a circuit
The light switches are located by the entrance.
Os interruptores de luz ficam perto da entrada.
2. Plural noun: Changes or transitions from one thing to another
The company made several switches in management.
A empresa fez várias mudanças na administração.
3. Plural noun: Thin sticks or rods used for hitting
The teacher had a bundle of switches for disciplining students.
O professor tinha um feixe de varinhas para disciplinar os alunos.
4. Verb (third person singular): Changes or exchanges one thing for another
He switches between two jobs during the week.
Ele alterna entre dois empregos durante a semana.
5. Verb (third person singular): Turns something on or off
She switches off the lights before leaving.
Ela desliga as luzes antes de sair.
In Brazilian culture, 'interruptores' is the standard term for light switches in homes and buildings. In USA and NYC contexts, 'switches' is commonly used both literally for electrical devices and figuratively in expressions like 'he switches up' meaning to change one's behavior or style unexpectedly. The term is widespread in both technical and casual speech.
NYC Slang
flips - as in 'she flips the switches' or 'he switches up' (changes behavior/approach)
Related Idioms & Phrases
switch gears - mudar de marcha (to change focus or approach)
switcheroo - uma troca/enganação (a sudden unexpected change or trick)
flip the switch - ligar/ativar algo (to activate or initiate something)
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