What does “Out to lunch” mean?
"Out to lunch" means someone is not available or not paying attention.
What context can I use the in?
Example
Sorry, I was out to lunch and missed your call.
Example
He seems out to lunch during the meeting, not engaged at all.
Example
I tried to ask her a question, but she was out to lunch and didn't hear me
Is “Out to lunch” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Out to lunch” 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 “Out to lunch” effectively in context?
You can use "Out to Lunch" to describe someone who is not available or not paying attention. It implies that the person is mentally absent or distracted. For example, if a colleague is not responding to emails or messages, you might say, 'Sorry, he's out to lunch right now.'
- 1Communication
Sorry, I was out to lunch and missed your call.
- 2Meetings
He seems out to lunch during the meeting, not engaged at all.
- 3Conversation
I tried to ask her a question, but she was out to lunch and didn't hear me.
Similar phrases to “Out to lunch”:
To be lost in thought or imagination, not paying attention to the present moment
Example
He was daydreaming during the lecture and missed important information.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Out to lunch” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Out to Lunch" is unknown.
Is “Out to lunch” common in everyday conversation?
"Out to Lunch" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to humorously or informally describe someone's lack of attention or availability.
What tone does “Out to lunch” have?
"Out to Lunch" conveys a tone of lightheartedness or humor. It is typically used in a playful or casual manner to describe someone's absent-mindedness or distraction.
Can “Out to lunch” be used in informal and formal settings?
"Out to Lunch" is an informal expression that is commonly used in casual conversations among friends, family, and colleagues. It may not be appropriate for more formal or professional settings.
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, 'Sorry, I was out to lunch and missed your call.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'He's totally "out to lunch"!' to imply someone's lack of attention.
