a fuse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fuse" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used when talking about a device that is used to prevent an electrical circuit from being overloaded, or as a metaphor for something that causes a sudden and uncontrollable explosion or outburst. Example: The power outage was caused by a fuse blowing in the main electrical panel. Example: I could see the tension building between them, and I knew it was only a matter of time before someone lit the fuse and an argument erupted.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It becomes a fuse".

The New York Times - Science

She even blew a fuse.

Independent

They have lit a fuse.

The Economist

He occasionally blows a fuse.

Independent

7) A fuse is burning.

The New York Times

Urruti blew a fuse.

The Guardian - Sport

"Ready!" A ranger will insert a fuse.

The New York Times

The repetition burned through like a fuse.

The New Yorker

"Do I have a fuse?

The New York Times

You could blow a fuse.

The New York Times

Will Rasheed Wallace blow a fuse?

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and register. While appropriate in general writing, more formal or technical contexts may call for specific and precise terms.

Common error

Avoid relying on "a fuse" as a catch-all metaphor for any kind of trigger. Overuse diminishes its impact; instead, choose words that more precisely capture the nature of the cause-and-effect relationship you're describing.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a fuse" is as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples, where "a fuse" refers to both a literal electrical component and a metaphorical trigger.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a fuse" is a commonly used noun phrase, frequently appearing in News & Media, Science and Wiki. According to Ludwig AI, it functions both literally, referring to an electrical safety device, and metaphorically, signifying a trigger for a sudden reaction. While grammatically correct and versatile, overusing the metaphorical sense can diminish its impact. Alternatives include "a trigger" or "a catalyst", depending on the desired nuance. When using "a fuse", be mindful of the context to ensure clarity and avoid generalizations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a detonator

Focuses specifically on the triggering mechanism of an explosive device, shifting the emphasis from protection to initiation.

an igniter

Similar to a detonator, but can apply to various combustion processes, not just explosives; less specific to electrical circuits.

a circuit breaker

Highlights the function of interrupting an electrical circuit, offering a more technical term for electrical safety.

a trigger

Implies a cause-and-effect relationship, often in a figurative sense, initiating a reaction or event, broader than just electrical or explosive contexts.

a catalyst

Emphasizes the accelerating effect of something on a process, typically in a chemical or figurative sense, changing the dynamics.

a spark

Represents a small but potentially initiating event or element, often leading to something bigger, less about overload protection.

a short circuit

Focuses on the electrical malfunction itself, rather than the protective device, pointing to the cause of the problem.

an explosive

Emphasizes the potential for sudden release of energy, similar to the 'blowing a fuse' metaphor, but doesn't imply protection.

a combustion starter

Specifically describes the component to start a combustion, mostly linked to engines and mechanics.

the instigator

Highlights a person or action that initiates an event, often implying a negative or contentious outcome, mostly metaphorical.

FAQs

How can I use "a fuse" in a sentence?

You can use "a fuse" to describe an electrical safety device, as in, "The appliance blew "a fuse"." Metaphorically, it can refer to something that ignites a situation, for example, "His comment lit "a fuse" under the negotiations".

What is the difference between "a fuse" and "a circuit breaker"?

"A fuse" is a one-time-use safety device that melts and breaks a circuit when overloaded. "A circuit breaker" is a reusable device that can be reset after tripping due to an overload.

When is it appropriate to use "a fuse" metaphorically?

It's appropriate to use "a fuse" metaphorically when describing a situation where a small trigger leads to a sudden, often explosive, reaction. For instance, "Her remark was "a fuse" for his anger".

What are some synonyms for "a fuse" in a metaphorical sense?

Depending on the context, you could use synonyms such as "a trigger", "a catalyst", or "an igniter" to convey a similar meaning of something that initiates a rapid change.