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Words and Their StoriesLearning Expressions with VOA
Processed with VS1Describe failing to notice an important duty or warning—and choose a fair level of criticism.
VOA source audio
Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcriptThe idiom describes someone neglecting an important responsibility or failing to pay attention to a problem. VOA also compares it with “asleep at the switch.”
Cultural note: “Asleep at the wheel” can sound like a serious accusation, especially about a person or organization responsible for safety. It is best supported by clear evidence and not used for a minor mistake.
Keep exploringThe phrase borrows a risky image from driving to describe missed responsibilities elsewhere. Learn its figurative meaning and a related expression.
Phrase guide · 5 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Describe a person or organization failing to pay attention.
Meaning
Failing to pay attention to an important responsibility, problem, or danger.
Tone & use
Often used as a strong criticism of a person, company, or agency. Use it for significant neglect, not a small oversight.
Example
“The safety team seemed asleep at the wheel when repeated equipment warnings went unanswered.”
Meaning
Begin to neglect a responsibility or stop paying needed attention.
Tone & use
The verb “fall” emphasizes the change into inattention. It is figurative unless the context is literally driving.
Example
“I fell asleep at the wheel on the project and missed two important follow-ups.”
Talk about losing focus and problems coming later.
Meaning
Failing to act or pay attention when responsible for doing so.
Tone & use
A less common related expression. It refers figuratively to a train operator missing an important control.
Example
“The review found the permit office asleep at the switch while the deadline passed.”
Meaning
At some point in the future.
Tone & use
Informal and common in conversation; it does not necessarily refer to a literal road.
Example
“If we ignore the small leak, it could cause expensive damage down the road.”
Use strong idioms only when the situation supports them.
Meaning
Fail to notice something, often by accident.
Tone & use
A neutral alternative that is less accusatory than “asleep at the wheel.”
Example
“I overlooked one date in the calendar, so I sent a corrected invitation.”
Knowledge check
Choose the expression that best fits each situation.
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