Idiom
on the blink
Meanings
Not functioning correctly; faulty or broken (usually of a machine, device, or system).
Definition
Not working properly or temporarily broken.
If something is on the blink, it is not working as it should and may stop working completely. It often suggests a fault that might be temporary or fixable. This idiom is especially common in British English and is used for machines, devices, or systems.
Examples
- My laptop is on the blink again, so I’m taking it to a repair shop.
- The boiler was on the blink all winter and kept cutting out.
- The ticket machine is on the blink, so the guard waved us through.
- I think the car’s on the blink—the engine keeps stalling at traffic lights.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes use this for people (e.g., “I’m on the blink”) when it is mainly used for machines or systems.
More at B2 level
- Bob's your uncle Used to say that something will be easy or will happen exactly as expected after a simple step.
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share updates, confirm plans, or check progress.
- ballpark figure A ballpark figure is an approximate number or estimate, not an exact one.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to mock someone or tease them in an unkind or cheeky way.
- cheap as chips Very cheap; costing very little money.