sleeping at the switch
Alternative form of asleep at the switch.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The manager was sleeping at the switch during the crisis.”
“The project failed because the team leader was sleeping at the switch and missed the deadline.”
“By sleeping at the switch while the market shifted, the company lost its competitive advantage and suffered significant financial losses.”
- 01
asleep at the switch
Neglectful of an important task, responsibility, or opportunity.
- 02
let a sleeping dog lie
Alternative form of let sleeping dogs lie.
- 03
let sleeping dogs lie
To leave things as they are; especially, to avoid restarting or rekindling an old argument; to leave disagreements in the past.
- 04
sleeping giant
Someone or something with great, latent strength.
- 05
sleeping policeman
A speed bump.
- 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.
Last updated August 10, 2026