asleep at the wheel

/əˈsliːp æt ðə wɪl/◆idiom

not paying attention

The driver was asleep at the wheel when the accident happened.

The driver was not paying attention when the accident occurred.

◆ What It Really Means

To be neglectful or inattentive to one's responsibilities, often leading to mistakes or failures.

¶ Literal Meaning

To be sleeping while driving a vehicle.

Literal Breakdown

asleepin a state of sleep+at the wheelin control of a vehicle

◇ Mental Image

The mental image of a driver sleeping while driving, which would lead to an accident.

◈ When to Use

A manager who fails to notice a critical issue in a project because they were not paying attention.

◉ Cultural Note

This idiom is widely used in English-speaking cultures to describe negligence or lack of attention to duty.

informal

To be neglectful or inattentive to one's responsibilities, often leading to mistakes or failures.

The manager was asleep at the wheel while the project failed.

The manager was not paying attention while the project failed.

This idiom is often used to criticize someone for not being vigilant or proactive.

Synonyms

neglectful inattentive unaware

Antonyms

alert vigilant attentive

Pro Tip

Usage Tip

This idiom is often used to criticize someone for not being vigilant or proactive.

Word Origin

The phrase originates from the idea of a driver falling asleep while operating a vehicle, which would lead to an accident. It has been used metaphorically to describe negligence in various contexts.

Usage Notes

This idiom is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to describe someone who is not paying attention to their duties or responsibilities.

English Dictionary

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