English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Off grid
Meaning
The idiom "off grid" refers to a self-sufficient or independent way of living, free from the use of modern technology and infrastructure such as electricity, water, and internet. It can also refer to a person or thing that is not part of a larger system or network.
Usage
- She decided to go off grid after her job was cut during the pandemic.
- The cabin we rented for our vacation was completely off grid, with no Wi-Fi or cell phone reception.
- We were amazed by the school's commitment to sustainability and their efforts to reduce their carbon footprint by going off grid.
- Many people in rural areas rely on off-grid solutions such as solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems for their energy needs.
- The festival featured several food trucks that were powered completely by solar energy, showcasing the possibilities of living off grid.
Roots and History
The phrase "off grid" has been used since the 1970s to describe a self-sufficient way of living. It originated in the context of environmentalism and sustainability, as people began to question the reliance on modern technology and infrastructure for their energy needs. Over time, the idiom has been adapted to include other aspects of independent living, such as transportation and communication.
Synonyms in English
- Self-sufficient
- Independent
- Offline
- Disconnected
- Out of the system
Synonyms in other languages
- French: autonomique
- German: selbstverantwortlich
- Spanish: autónomo
- Italian: indipendente
- Swedish: självständig