Out to lunch Meaning in English
expression
OWT-tuh-LUNCH
OWT-too-LUNCH
Definition
"Out to lunch" is an informal idiom meaning someone is daydreaming, not paying attention, or acting in a confused or strange way.
Usage & Nuances
Very informal, often describes forgetfulness, distraction, or absent-mindedness. Can be used playfully or as mild criticism. Not literal—doesn’t mean someone is actually eating. Common in American English.
Spanish: despistado - en las nubes - idoPortuguese (BR): viajando na maionese - desligado - distraídoPortuguese (PT): com a cabeça no ar - distraído - alheadoChinese (Simplified): 心不在焉 - 神游Chinese (Traditional): 心不在焉 - 放空Hindi: ध्यान नहीं है - खोया हुआArabic: شارِد الذهن - غائب عن الوعيBengali: ভাবের মধ্যে আছে - মনোযোগ নেইRussian: витает в облаках - не в себеJapanese: ぼーっとしている - 注意散漫だVietnamese: lơ đãng - đầu óc trên mâyKorean: 멍하다 - 딴생각하다Turkish: aklı başında değil - dalgınUrdu: خیالوں میں گم - توجہ نہیںIndonesian: melamun - bengong
Example Sentences
She was completely out to lunch during the meeting.
basic
He forgot his own birthday—he must be out to lunch!
basic
If you’re out to lunch, you might miss important information.
basic
Sorry, I was out to lunch—can you repeat that?
natural
Honestly, some days I feel totally out to lunch at work.
natural
Don’t ask him—he’s always out to lunch before noon.
natural