Out to lunch meaning

"Out to lunch" means unavailable or not present, typically due to being preoccupied or distracted.


Out to lunch definitions

Word backwards tuo ot hcnul
Part of speech phrase
Syllabic division out to lunch - out to lunch
Plural The plural form of the phrase "out to lunch" would be "out to lunches."
Total letters 10
Vogais (2) o,u
Consonants (5) t,l,n,c,h

What does "out to lunch" mean?

Out to lunch is a common phrase used in English to indicate that someone is unavailable or not present. It can be used in a literal sense, meaning that the person is physically not present because they are out having lunch. However, it is more commonly used in a figurative way to suggest that someone is not paying attention or is not thinking clearly.

Origin of the phrase

The exact origin of the phrase "out to lunch" is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the military. It may have started as a literal way to communicate that someone was not available for a meeting or task because they were out having lunch. Over time, the phrase evolved to take on a more figurative meaning, indicating that someone is not mentally present or engaged.

Usage of the phrase

In everyday conversation, people might use the phrase "out to lunch" to describe someone who is acting in a strange or absent-minded way. It can be used humorously or more seriously, depending on the context. For example, if a coworker is not paying attention in a meeting, you might playfully say they are "out to lunch." However, if someone is making serious mistakes due to their lack of focus, you might use the phrase in a more critical way.

Alternatives to the phrase

If you are looking for alternative ways to express the idea of someone being distracted or not paying attention, you could use phrases like "spacing out," "off in their own world," or "not all there." These phrases convey a similar meaning to "out to lunch" and can be used interchangeably depending on the situation.


Out to lunch Examples

  1. She is always out to lunch when it comes to the latest fashion trends.
  2. The professor was out to lunch during the lecture and missed important information.
  3. I tried to have a conversation with him, but he seemed out to lunch and not listening.
  4. The CEO's decision was completely out to lunch and didn't make any sense.
  5. Her excuse for being late was out to lunch and no one believed her.
  6. The team's strategy was out to lunch and led to their defeat.
  7. I asked for help, but he was out to lunch and couldn't assist me.
  8. The company's marketing campaign was out to lunch and failed to reach the target audience.
  9. His response to the question was out to lunch and didn't address the issue at hand.
  10. The design of the new product was out to lunch and didn't meet customer expectations.


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  • Updated 17/04/2024 - 02:15:16