dead wire—(also: dead line) a cable through which no electricity passes:
- A young carpet layer was installing carpet when he grabbed what he thought was a dead wire.
live wire—
1. (also: live line) a wire carrying electric current:
- If you were to touch the live wire a current would flow through your body to the ground.
2. a vivacious and energetic person:
- He is a live wire and a free spirit. It is easy to see why people are so keen to flock around him and worship at his feet.