Learning English is a fantastic way to connect with people worldwide, find better job opportunities, and comprehend more information online. To speak English like a native, it’s crucial to learn idioms, which are common phrases that don’t always convey the meaning of their words. By using idioms, you can sound more natural and understand conversations on a daily basis. Knowing idioms about technology is very useful in today’s world where technology is everywhere. This blog post will cover 27 popular English idioms that relate to technology, with simple examples that will assist you in understanding and using them in real life.
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27 English Idioms About Technology
After understanding why idioms are important, let’s take a look at some that focus on technology. These idioms are frequently used in conversations, movies, and even at work. Understanding them will enable you to sound more natural while speaking English. There are 27 common technology idioms listed below, with their definitions and examples.
At the click of a button
Meaning: Easily and quickly, especially by using technology
Example: You can order groceries online at the click of a button.
A well-oiled machine
Meaning: Something that works smoothly and efficiently
Example: Our team runs like a well-oiled machine during product launches.
Ahead of the curve
Meaning: More advanced or innovative than others
Example: This company is always ahead of the curve in AI research.
Be a game-changer
Meaning: Something that significantly changes the outcome or way of doing things
Example: The smartphone was a game-changer in the tech world.
Bells and whistles
Meaning: Extra features added to make something more attractive
Example: This software has all the bells and whistles, but it’s expensive.
Blow a fuse
Meaning: To become very angry
Example: He blew a fuse when the server crashed before the big presentation.
Break new ground
Meaning: To do something innovative or pioneering
Example: The scientists broke new ground with their research on quantum computing.
Break the internet
Meaning: To cause a massive online reaction or viral sensation
Example: Lady Gaga’s photo broke the internet within minutes of being posted.
Byte the bullet
Meaning: To accept something difficult, especially related to tech (wordplay on “bite the bullet”)
Example: I had to byte the bullet and learn coding to get the job.
Crash and burn
Meaning: To fail spectacularly
Example: His startup crashed and burned after just six months.
Cutting-edge
Meaning: Extremely modern and advanced
Example: They’re using cutting-edge technology in their latest product.
Digital footprint
Meaning: The information about a person that exists online
Example: Be careful what you post; your digital footprint is permanent.
Firewall someone
Meaning: To block or prevent someone from accessing information or communication
Example: They firewalled the ex-employee to protect company data.
Get your wires crossed
Meaning: To misunderstand or miscommunicate
Example: We got our wires crossed about the meeting time.
Go viral
Meaning: To become very popular and quickly spread online
Example: Her dance video went viral overnight.
Hardwired to
Meaning: To be naturally or automatically inclined to do something
Example: Humans are hardwired to seek social connections.
Have a screw loose
Meaning: To act strangely or appear mentally unstable
Example: He must have a screw loose if he thinks that app will work without a backend.
In the loop
Meaning: Being informed or included in a group’s communication
Example: Please keep me in the loop about the software updates.
On the same wavelength
Meaning: To think in a similar way or understand each other well
Example: The designers are on the same wavelength, which speeds up the process.
Out of the loop
Meaning: Not informed or involved in a situation
Example: I’ve been out of the loop since I went on vacation.
Plug and play
Meaning: Easy to use immediately without configuration
Example: This printer is plug and play, just connect it and start printing.
Plugged in
Meaning: Well-informed or connected
Example: She’s really plugged in to the latest tech trends.
Pull the plug
Meaning: To end or cancel something
Example: They pulled the plug on the app after poor reviews.
Push the envelope
Meaning: To go beyond the normal limits; innovate
Example: This developer always pushes the envelope with creative coding techniques.
Get with the program
Meaning: To adapt to new ways or accept modern ideas.
Example: If you want to keep your job in tech, you’ve got to get with the program!
Push someone’s buttons
Meaning: To deliberately annoy or provoke someone.
Example: Don’t listen to him—he’s just trying to push your buttons.
Recharge your batteries
Meaning: To rest and gain energy.
Example: I took a weekend trip to the mountains to recharge my batteries.
Frequently Asked Questions About English Idioms About Technology
Are idioms used in formal writing?
To avoid sounding too casual or informal, idioms are generally avoided in formal writing. Clear, literal language is typically the preferred language for academic, legal, and professional documents. However, idioms might appear in formal contexts if used sparingly for emphasis or style.
Why are technology idioms important to learn?
In everyday English, technology idioms are frequently used, particularly in business and media. It is beneficial to learn them so that you can better understand native speakers and sound more fluent. They also give insight into how language evolves with cultural and technological changes.
What is the difference between a metaphor and a tech idiom?
One can create a metaphor by comparing two things by saying one thing is another, such as saying ‘time is money.’ A tech idiom is a phrase that is fixed and has a figurative meaning, usually connected to technology, such as ‘pull the plug’. While metaphors can be included in idioms, idioms usually can’t be changed or interpreted word-for-word.
Can idioms become outdated as technology changes?
It’s possible for idioms based on old technology to become outdated or less understandable over time. The phrase ‘don’t touch that dial’ is a reference to older radios or TVs and is rare in modern usage. As new technology develops, so do new idioms, whereas old ones may fade.
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