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Region: General | Usage example: The assistant was metaphorically sleeping on the job during the crisis.

Sleeping on the job

Meaning

Failing to perform duties due to laziness or distraction.

Usage

Used when someone neglects responsibilities.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Refers to literally falling asleep while working.

Industrial-age warnings about productivity introduced the concept.

Related Idioms

Let sleeping dogs lie

Do not disturb a situation that is currently calm, even if there is a conflict beneath the surface.

Knock it out of the park

Perform extremely well.

Cut the mustard

Meet expectations or perform well.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.