on the blink

English

Etymology

Presumably from an appliance with poor electrical connection blinking from intermittent connection, or from a flickering TV screen.

Prepositional phrase

on the blink

(idiomatic) functioning erratically, malfunctioning; not working or not working well. Usually refers to a mechanical or electrical device.
My toaster is on the blink, making either charcoal or cold bread.

Synonyms

(malfunctioning): on the fritz

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