Phrase guide

on the blink

prep_phrase · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

prep_phrase

Meaning 1

Usually of a mechanical or electrical device, functioning erratically, malfunctioning; not working or not working well.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: Australia, UK, informal

Examples

  • My toaster is on the blink, making either charcoal or cold bread.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Presumably from an appliance with poor electrical connection blinking from intermittent connection.

Across languages

Translations

9 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • German: kaputt sein — to be malfunctioning (device), the state of being out of order
  • German: im Eimer sein — to be malfunctioning (device), the state of being out of order
  • German: am Ende sein — to be malfunctioning (device), the state of being out of order
  • German: im Arsch sein — to be malfunctioning (device), the state of being out of order
  • German: hinüber sein — to be malfunctioning (device), the state of being out of order
  • Polish: niedysponowany — to be malfunctioning (device), the state of being out of order
  • Polish: zepsuty — to be malfunctioning (device), the state of being out of order
  • Portuguese: dar o berro — to be malfunctioning (device), the state of being out of order
  • Portuguese: ir-se — to be malfunctioning (device), the state of being out of order