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asleep at the wheel
01
not paying attention or not doing one's job properly, often resulting in mistakes or negative consequences
What is the origin of the idiom "asleep at the wheel" and when to use it?
The origin of the idiom "asleep at the wheel" is unclear, but it is thought to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century. This phrase is used to describe a situation where someone is not paying attention or is neglecting their responsibilities, often resulting in negative consequences.
Example
When the firemen arrived too late at the scene, the night watchman was accused of being asleep at the wheel.
The management team was asleep at the wheel when it came to addressing the safety concerns, they didn't take them seriously.
Let's hope the regulators are not asleep at the wheel.
The government has been asleep at the wheel when it comes to addressing climate change, they haven't done enough to reduce carbon emissions.
I was asleep at the wheel during the meeting, I didn't take any notes.
