on the fritz

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Don’t miss, for instance, a food replicator on the fritz, where holographic tea will consistently fail to properly materialize.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2025

But like every machine I've ever owned, it goes on the fritz.

From BBC • Nov. 30, 2023

If your cell phone, for instance, landed on Venus, the thermal energy would set off a flurry of electrons and send your device on the fritz.

From Scientific American • Oct. 23, 2023

That’s the most obvious explanation for this sudden delay, though I suppose it’s also possible that the court’s pipes are on the fritz or something.

From Slate • Apr. 16, 2023

And if his regulator was perhaps on the fritz and not delivering oxygen to his mask, that would also explain Andy’s apparent lack of lucidity.

From "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer