ENGLISH
REFERENCE

switch off

idiom
Meaning

To lose interest, and start thinking about something else.

Examples
SIMPLE

I switch off when the meeting gets too long.

CONTEXTUAL

The lecture was so boring that I started to switch off halfway through the presentation.

COMPLEX

Despite his initial interest in the complex legal arguments, he found himself beginning to switch off as the lawyer droned on for hours.

Anchors to
Related idioms3entries
  1. 01

    asleep at the switch

    Neglectful of an important task, responsibility, or opportunity.

  2. 02

    sleeping at the switch

    Alternative form of asleep at the switch.

  3. 03

    switch on

    To change one's expression or appearance as if by turning a switch.

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