hot wire
/hɑt ˈwaɪər/
verb
- To start a vehicle's engine by bypassing the ignition system, often to steal it or in an emergency.
- The mechanic showed me how to hot-wire an old tractor when the key was lost.
- It is illegal to hot-wire a vehicle that does not belong to you.
- In the movie, the hero had to hot-wire a car to escape the villains.
noun
- A wire that carries electric current, especially one that is live or dangerous.
- The electrician identified the hot-wire with a voltage tester.
- Be careful not to touch the hot-wire while fixing the lamp.
- A hot-wire can cause a serious shock if you touch it.