ON THE FRITZ Meaning and
Definition
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"On the fritz" is an idiomatic expression typically used to describe something that is experiencing a malfunction or dysfunction, particularly in relation to electrical or mechanical devices. When an object or system is said to be "on the fritz," it means that it is not working properly or has encountered a glitch or breakdown of some sort.
The term "on the fritz" is often associated with household appliances, electronic gadgets, or machinery that unexpectedly stops functioning or exhibits intermittent or inconsistent performance. It can describe a range of problems, ranging from minor hiccups or occasional failures to complete and irreversible breakdowns.
The origin of the phrase "on the fritz" is uncertain, with several possible theories suggested. One popular theory is that it originated from the surname of a person who was believed to be frequently involved in accidents, malfunctions, or eccentric behavior. Others believe that it may have derived from the German word "fritz," which referred to a minor electrical explosion.
Common synonyms for "on the fritz" include "broken," "faulty," "out of order," or "not working." This expression is widely used in informal conversations, particularly in a casual or humorous context. It conveys the idea that something is in a state of disrepair or malfunction and may require repair or replacement to restore it to proper working condition.
Common Misspellings for ON THE FRITZ
- in the fritz
- kn the fritz
- ln the fritz
- pn the fritz
- 0n the fritz
- 9n the fritz
- ob the fritz
- om the fritz
- oj the fritz
- oh the fritz
- on rhe fritz
- on fhe fritz
- on ghe fritz
- on yhe fritz
- on 6he fritz
- on 5he fritz
- on tge fritz
- on tbe fritz
- on tne fritz
- on tje fritz
Idioms with the word ON THE FRITZ
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be on the fritz
The idiom "be on the fritz" is used to describe something that is not functioning properly, experiencing frequent malfunctions, or failing to work as intended. It typically refers to mechanical or electronic devices that are unreliable or in a state of disrepair.
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go (or be) on the fritz
The idiom "go (or be) on the fritz" means that something is not functioning properly or has stopped working unexpectedly. It refers to a machine or device experiencing a malfunction, breakdown, or temporary failure. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a person or situation that is encountering problems or setbacks.
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go on the fritz
The idiom "go on the fritz" refers to a situation where something, usually a machine or device, stops working properly or malfunctions. It means that the object is experiencing a sudden and unexpected failure, often resulting in it becoming unusable or dysfunctional.
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on the fritz
The idiom "on the fritz" means not working properly; out of order; malfunctioning.
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