hotwire
Start without keys
To hotwire a vehicle is to start it without a key by bypassing the ignition system—typically by connecting wires directly.
The term evokes theft or emergency: He hotwired the car and drove off before anyone noticed.
Figuratively, to hotwire something is to bypass normal procedures to get quick results: We hotwired the approval process to meet the deadline.
Starting combustion process
- bypassRoute that skirts obstacles
- steering columnShaft bearing the wheel
- screwdriverTool for turning fasteners
- jumper cableBattery-to-battery power transfer wire
solenoid · dashboard · circuit · voltage · electrical tape · pliers · conductor · battery
Left without means to leave
- breakdownFailure or decomposition
- roadsideAdjacent to pavement
- tow truckVehicle that pulls others
- dead batteryExhausted power source
jumper cables · bypass · ignition · starter · mechanic · AAA · roadside assistance · rescue
Route that skirts obstacles
- circuitClosed electrical pathway
- conductorOne who directs musicians
- voltageElectrical potential difference
- spliceJoin end to end
solenoid · resistor · current · jumper · fuse · relay · connector · insulation
Route that skirts obstacles
- shortcutQuicker alternative path
- workaroundMakeshift bypass of difficulty
- hackShortcut or breach
- improvisePerform without preparation
circumvent · expedite · fast-track · quick fix · jerry-rig · MacGyver · kludge · override
ignition
Starting combustion process
- bypassRoute that skirts obstacles
- steering columnShaft bearing the wheel
- screwdriverTool for turning fasteners
jumper cable · solenoid · dashboard · circuit · voltage · electrical tape · pliers · conductor · battery · spark
stranded
Left without means to leave
dead battery · jumper cables · bypass · ignition · starter · mechanic · AAA · roadside assistance · rescue · malfunction
bypass
Route that skirts obstacles
- circuitClosed electrical pathway
- conductorOne who directs musicians
- voltageElectrical potential difference
splice · solenoid · resistor · current · jumper · fuse · relay · connector · insulation · multimeter
bypass
Route that skirts obstacles
- shortcutQuicker alternative path
- workaroundMakeshift bypass of difficulty
- hackShortcut or breach
improvise · circumvent · expedite · fast-track · quick fix · jerry-rig · MacGyver · kludge · override · backdoor