English Reference
Idiom idiom

tune out


To stop paying attention to; to ignore; to zone out.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

“I often tune out when the lecture gets boring.”

CONTEXTUAL

“When my neighbor started complaining about his garden again, I found it easy to tune out and look at my phone.”

COMPLEX

“As the politician began his repetitive speech, the audience collectively tuned out, their minds drifting toward the evening ahead.”


From tune + out.


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    can't carry a tune in a bucket

    Sings very badly.

  2. 02

    change one's tune

    To reconsider; rethink; to reach a different conclusion.

  3. 03

    sing a different tune

    To hold a different opinion or appreciation (about something); to possess a new, changed, or regenerated mindset, usually for the better.

  4. 04

    sing the same tune

    To hold the same opinion or understanding as another; to be in agreement on a matter.

  5. 05

    stay tuned

    To remain as a listener or viewer of the particular radio station or television channel to which one is currently paying attention.

  6. 06

    tune in

    To pay attention.

  7. 07

    tune up

    To beat up (someone).

  8. 08

    tuned in

    Paying attention.

Last updated August 10, 2026