Asleep at the Switch

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Asleep at the Switch

Failing to act or respond immediately, not being attentive

Etymology:

This idiom is originated for railroad back in the mid of 19th century. It was trainman’s duty to accurately switch the trains to change their tracks at exact time. If he fell asleep at the time of switching, train might get crash or go off the tracks. Nowadays, when someone do not pay attention and show carelessness when he/she is supposed to stay alert, this idioms is used for such situation.

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Stephen missed his flight because he was asleep at the switch.

Collection Edit

Submitted on February 25, 2019

Additional definitions for 'Asleep at the Switch':

asleep at the switch	Neglectful of an important task, responsibility, or opportunity.

asleep at the switch

Neglectful of an important task, responsibility, or opportunity.

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Translation

Find a translation for the Asleep at the Switch phrase in other languages:

քնած է անջատիչի մոտ

tertidur di sakelar

sover ved bryteren

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Nearby phrases

Some more phrases from our dictionary similar to Asleep at the Switch

every shut eye isn't asleep switch on switch off switch-hitter fast asleep switch off dead asleep asleep at the wheel switch-hitter bait and switch switch off switch on sound asleep sleeping at the switch

How to pronounce this phrase?

Alex
US English
David
US English
Mark
US English
Daniel
British
Libby
British
Mia
British
Karen
Australian
Hayley
Australian
Natasha
Australian
Veena
Indian
Priya
Indian
Neerja
Indian
Zira
US English
Oliver
British
Wendy
British
Fred
US English
Tessa
South African

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"Asleep at the Switch." Phrases.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 21 Dec. 2024. <https://www.phrases.com/phrase/asleep-at-the-switch_44462>.

Asleep at the Switch

Etymology:

Additional definitions for 'Asleep at the Switch':

Translation

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Nearby phrases

Some more phrases from our dictionary similar to Asleep at the Switch

How to pronounce this phrase?

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Citation

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