The manager was asleep at the switch during the crisis.
asleep at the switch
idiomNeglectful of an important task, responsibility, or opportunity.
Origin
disputed originProbably an allusion to the important responsibilities of a railway switchman.
The project failed because the team leader was asleep at the switch and missed the deadline.
The board of directors realized the CEO had been asleep at the switch for months, allowing the company to drift toward bankruptcy without any oversight.
- 01
dead asleep
Sleeping in a deep sleep
- 02
fall asleep
To be affected by paresthesia; to go numb.
- 03
fast asleep
Sleeping, in a deep sleep.
- 04
sleeping at the switch
Alternative form of asleep at the switch.
- 05
sound asleep
Sleeping still and silently.
- 06
switch off
To lose interest, and start thinking about something else.
- 07
switch on
To change one's expression or appearance as if by turning a switch.