On the fritz Meaning in English
expression
AWN thuh FRITS
ON thuh FRITS
Definition
Used informally to describe something, usually a machine or device, that is not working properly or is broken.
Usage & Nuances
Very informal, mainly spoken in US English. Common with electronics and home appliances ('the TV is on the fritz'). Rarely used for people. Use alternatives like 'broken' or 'not working' in formal situations.
Spanish: averiado - descompuesto (informal)Portuguese (BR): quebrado - com defeito (informal)Portuguese (PT): avariado - com defeito (informal)Chinese (Simplified): 出故障 - 坏了 (口语)Chinese (Traditional): 出故障 - 壞了 (口語)Hindi: खराब - गड़बड़ (अनौपचारिक)Arabic: معطل - خربان (عامية)Bengali: বিকল - খারাপ - নষ্টRussian: сломался - не работает - барахлитJapanese: 故障している - 調子が悪いVietnamese: bị hỏng - bị trục trặcKorean: 고장 났다 - 제대로 작동하지 않는다Turkish: bozuk - arızalı - çalışmıyorUrdu: خراب - ٹھیک سے کام نہ کرناIndonesian: rusak - tidak berfungsi - bermasalah
Example Sentences
My phone is on the fritz again.
basic
The TV went on the fritz last night.
basic
If the microwave is on the fritz, we need to fix it.
basic
Sorry, the printer's on the fritz right now—can you email me the file instead?
natural
Our air conditioner was on the fritz all summer, so it was a tough season.
natural
Every time it rains, the garage door goes on the fritz.
natural