Turn on the Faucet: Meaning, Usage & Examples

Meaning 1：open the tap (Turn on the Faucet)

Turn on the Faucet 🔊

/tɜːrn ɒn ðə ˈfɔːsɪt/

phr. v.

To open a faucet so that water starts flowing out.

Hand turning kitchen faucet with water flowing into sink

open the tap 🔊

➕

/ˈoʊpən ðə tæp/

phr. v.

To operate the lever or knob of a faucet so that water begins to flow out.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Elementary

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Combines 'turn' (rotate) + 'on' (activate) + 'faucet' (tap), indicating the action of opening a water valve.

💡 Mnemonic

Picture a faucet handle: turning it 'on' is like opening a gate for water to rush out.

📖 Example

Before making tea, he turned on the faucet to fill the kettle with fresh water. 🔊 Before making tea, he turned on the faucet to fill the kettle with fresh water.

🔗 Collocations

turn the faucet on – To activate the water flow by rotating the faucet handle.

turn off the faucet – To stop the water flow by closing the faucet.

faucet handle – The lever or knob used to control the faucet.

🔄 Synonyms

open the tap (phr. v.) – To allow water to flow from a tap by turning it.

start the water (phr.) – To begin the flow of water from a faucet.

turn on the tap (phr. v.) – Equivalent action, commonly used in British English.

🚫 Antonyms

turn off the faucet (phr. v.) – To close the faucet and stop the water flow.

shut off the water (phr.) – To stop the water supply, often at the main valve.

📖 Cultural Story

From Latin 'fons' (fountain), 'faucet' entered English via Old French. Common in American households since the 19th century for controlling water flow.