Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

on the blink

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 3.73 in modern English

Syllables: on the blink
IPA

19

Scrabble Score

10

Letters

1

Syllables

9

Unique Chars

Meaning

prep_phrase

Usually of a mechanical or electrical device, functioning erratically, malfunctioning; not working or not working well.

Australian usage; British usage; Informal

Example Sentences

"My toaster is on the blink, making either charcoal or cold bread."
"I'm so tired, I haven't slept a wink / I'm so tired, my mind is on the blink"

Etymology

Presumably from an appliance with poor electrical connection blinking from intermittent connection.

Usage

Synonyms

on the fritz

Questions

What does on the blink mean?: Usually of a mechanical or electrical device, functioning erratically, malfunctioning; not working or not working well.
Where does on the blink come from?: Presumably from an appliance with poor electrical connection blinking from intermittent connection.

How to pronounce on the blink

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “on the blink”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling () so you know which sounds to aim for.
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Repeat and practice — Say “on the blink” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.