on the blink

Although the meanings of the words in them do not make any sense when examined one by one, the word groups that are shaped according to the cultural roots of the language and that make sense as a whole are called idioms. on the blink meaning, in what situations is it used?

Meaning of "on the blink"

Meaning

The phrase “on the blink” is an informal idiom used to describe an item that does not function as it should, normally due to mechanical or electrical fault. A more common phrase for this is to say something is “broken”. The “blink” refers to a light that is flashing, implying that the item is not in working condition.

Etymology

The phrase “on the blink” is believed to have originated in the early 20th century. The exact origin of the phrase is unclear, however it is widely accepted that it may have derived from the phrase “blinking light” or “blinking signal”, which was used to describe an electric or mechanical fault in an apparatus. The first use of the phrase “on the blink” was in the 1920s, in an American newspaper.

Usage

The phrase “on the blink” can be used to describe any broken or malfunctioning item, including electrical items such as computers, televisions and phones, as well as mechanical items such as cars and machines. It can also be used to describe a person’s mental or emotional state, indicating that they are not functioning properly.

Example Sentences

• My phone is on the blink again, I think I'm going to have to get a new one.
• The machine is on the blink, so I can't get my work done.
• I think something's wrong with John, he's been a bit on the blink recently.

The Global Spread of English Idioms

As English has become a global language, its idioms have spread far beyond the borders of the UK and USA. For instance, the idiom "beat around the bush" has equivalents in many other languages, such as "tourner autour du pot" in French and "dar vueltas al asunto" in Spanish. Meanwhile, other idioms have been adapted for local contexts, such as the Russian idiom "?? ???? ???????" (ne svoya rubashka), which translates to "not one's own shirt," meaning to be in an uncomfortable or unfamiliar situation.