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.

Buy a refill and hope the printer’s not on the fritz.

From Slate • Jun. 4, 2024

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

When his helmet radio went on the fritz, the Bengals quarterback temporarily had to call the plays.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 22, 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