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.

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

From BBC • Nov. 30, 2023

Dave Madore owns the arcade and jukeboxes inside the restaurant, where he was supposed to be Wednesday night to fix a jukebox that was on the fritz.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 31, 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

Across the planet, animals — and the diseases they carry — are shifting to accommodate a globe on the fritz.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 18, 2023

“I’m so sorry. We have an elevator in the back, but it went on the fritz this afternoon. The technician is coming to fix it first thing in the morning.”

From "Out of My Mind" by Sharon M. Draper