on the blink
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English[edit]
Etymology[edit]
Presumably from an appliance with poor electrical connection blinking from intermittent connection.
Pronunciation[edit]
Audio (AU) (file)
Prepositional phrase[edit]
- (UK, Australia, informal) functioning erratically, malfunctioning; not working or not working well. Usually refers to a mechanical or electrical device.
- My toaster is on the blink, making either charcoal or cold bread.
- 1968, “I'm So Tired”, in John Lennon (lyrics), The Beatles, performed by the Beatles:
- I'm so tired, I haven't slept a wink / I'm so tired, my mind is on the blink
Synonyms[edit]
- (malfunctioning): on the fritz
Translations[edit]
to be malfunctioning (device), the state of being out of order
References[edit]
- “on the blink” in Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English, Longman.
- “on the blink”, in Cambridge English Dictionary, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire: Cambridge University Press, 1999–present.