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Glite Dictionary
to hook it to the mainframe

to hook it to the mainframe

7.4
To connect a device to a main computer so it can send and receive data
  • phrasal verb
  • Specialized
: conectarlo al sistema central
  • Can you hook it to the mainframe so we can back up the data?

Examples

  • The technician said he would hook it to the mainframe for a quick software update.

  • Before the new terminal can be used, you need to hook it to the mainframe.

  • I need to hook it to the mainframe before the meeting.

  • Make sure you hook it to the mainframe correctly.

  • To ensure data is transferred efficiently, please hook it to the mainframe as soon as possible.

  • After the installation, we must hook it to the mainframe to start the data synchronization process.

  • Once you hook it to the mainframe, you will be able to access all the necessary files.

Synonyms

to hook up
vsto hook it to the mainframe
130 3.7

To connect devices so they work together

is about connecting a device specifically to a central computer for communication
to connect up
vsto hook it to the mainframe
3 3.3

To join machines so they can share power or information using wires

is limited to joining a device to a central computer for data exchange
to jack in
vsto hook it to the mainframe
  • Jargon
2 8.1

To connect to a computer system or network by logging on

is for linking a device to a central computer for data transfer

Surface Forms

hook it to the mainframe infinitive
hooked it to the mainframe past
hooked it to the mainframe past participle
hooking it to the mainframe present participle
hooks it to the mainframe third person singular

Morphology

hook + it + to + the + mainframe

The meaning 'to connect a device to a central computer' is directly derivable from combining 'hook' (to fasten/attach) with 'to' and 'mainframe' (a central, powerful computer). This construction matches common English usage (e.g. 'hook up to') and follows normal compositional patterns, so a B1 learner who knows the constituent words would readily infer the intended meaning.

Etymology

Hook it to the mainframe comes from the picture of a small machine being literally attached by a cable to a large mainframe computer, where the word hook suggests fastening the cable. So, the phrase means 'to connect a device to the central computer'.