Idiot box Meaning in English
expression
ˈɪˌdiət/ /ˈbɑks
ID-ee-uht BAHKS
ˈɪdɪət/ /bˈɒks
ID-ee-uht BOKS
Definition
A humorous or slightly negative slang term for a television, suggesting that watching it can make people less intelligent.
Usage & Nuances
Very informal, sometimes mildly insulting. Used jokingly or critically; almost always refers to the television. Not used in formal writing. Similar expressions: 'the tube', 'the box'.
Spanish: caja tontaPortuguese (BR): caixa idiotaPortuguese (PT): caixa parvaChinese (Simplified): 电视机（贬义）Chinese (Traditional): 電視機（貶義）Hindi: बेवकूफ़ डिब्बाArabic: صندوق الغباءBengali: বোকা বাক্সRussian: зомбоящикJapanese: バカ箱Vietnamese: hộp nguKorean: 바보 상자Turkish: aptal kutuUrdu: احمق ڈبہIndonesian: kotak bodoh
Example Sentences
He spends hours watching the idiot box every day.
basic
The idiot box is on in every room of the house.
basic
Turn off the idiot box and read a book instead.
basic
After a long day, sometimes all I want is to relax in front of the idiot box.
natural
My parents used to call the TV the idiot box when we watched cartoons all day.
natural
Don’t let the idiot box ruin your evening—let’s go for a walk instead.
natural