What does “Asleep at the wheel” mean?
"Asleep at the wheel" means being not paying attention or being unaware of what is happening.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He caused a major accident because he was asleep at the wheel.
Example
The company went bankrupt because the CEO was asleep at the wheel.
Example
She missed her exit because she was asleep at the wheel
Is “Asleep at the wheel” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Asleep at the wheel” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Asleep at the wheel” effectively in context?
You can use "Asleep at the Wheel" to describe someone who is not paying attention or is unaware of what is happening. It emphasizes a lack of vigilance or awareness. For example, if a coworker makes a critical mistake due to negligence, you might say, 'He caused a major accident because he was asleep at the wheel.'
- 1Driving
She missed her exit because she was asleep at the wheel.
- 2Business
The company went bankrupt because the CEO was asleep at the wheel.
- 3Responsibilities
He failed to meet the deadline because he was asleep at the wheel.
Similar phrases to “Asleep at the wheel”:
Being lost in thought or imagination, not paying attention
Example
He failed to notice the time because he was daydreaming.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Asleep at the wheel” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Asleep at the Wheel" is unknown.
Is “Asleep at the wheel” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Asleep at the Wheel" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to criticize or highlight someone's lack of attention or awareness in various situations.
What tone does “Asleep at the wheel” have?
"Asleep at the Wheel" conveys a tone of criticism or disappointment. It suggests that someone is not fulfilling their responsibilities or is neglecting important tasks due to a lack of attention.
Can “Asleep at the wheel” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "asleep at the wheel" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that can be used in casual conversations as well as professional contexts to describe someone's lack of attentiveness or awareness.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He caused a major accident because he was asleep at the wheel.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Don't be "asleep at the wheel"!' to remind someone to stay alert.
