30 Idioms Related to Technology

30 Idioms Related to Technology

Hello English learners. Welcome to a new lesson. Today, we will learn idioms related to technology.

Most idioms related to technology, such as “surf the web” which refers to navigating the internet, and “tech-savvy,” which describes someone who is proficient with technology, are relatively new. They reflect the rapid advancements and integration of technology into our daily lives. Their meanings are connected to modern technological concepts, which makes them relevant to 21st-century communications. They are often used in conversations, articles and social media.

However, some idioms have been adapted from older expressions to fit the technological context. They originate from older expressions but have been redefined in the context of technology. For example, the expression “cutting-edge,” originally used to describe the most modern advance in any field, now specifically refers to the latest innovations in technology.

The evolution of language continues with the advance of technology, leading to the creation of new idioms and to the adaptation of existing ones to fit our modern world.

Here are 30 idioms related to technology with meanings and example sentences:

1. Ahead of the curve
2. Back to the drawing board
3. Bells and whistles
4. Bite the bullet
5. Blow a fuse
6. Caught in the web
7. Cutting-edge
8. Digital footprint
9. Down to the wire
10. Face time
11. Get with the programme
12. Hit the panic button
13. In the loop
14. Jump on the bandwagon
15. Light years ahead
16. Log off
17. Lost in cyberspace
18. Off the grid
19. On the same wavelength
20. Out of steam
21. Plug-and-play
22. Pull the plug
23. Push the envelope
24. Short circuit  
25. Surf the web
26. Tech-savvy
27. The nuts and bolts
28. Throw a wrench in the works
29. Under the hood
30. Virtual reality

Ahead of the curve

Meaning: being more advanced or innovative than others in a particular field or activity. It implies that someone or something is leading the way and setting trends rather than following them.

• The company’s investment in renewable energy technologies keeps them ahead of the curve.
• By adopting the latest software, the IT department stays ahead of the curve.

Idioms Related to Technology

Back to the drawing board

Meaning: to start over or go back to the beginning after a failed attempt.

• The marketing campaign didn’t generate the expected results, so it’s back to the drawing board.
• The project was rejected by the client, so the team went back to the drawing board to come up with new ideas.

Bells and whistles

Meaning: refers to additional features that are added to a product or service to make it more attractive. These features are usually not essential but are included to enhance the user experience or to differentiate the product from competitors.

• Brian’s new smartphone comes with all the bells and whistles, a high-resolution camera and facial recognition.
• The car’s dashboard is filled with bells and whistles, making it look very high-tech.

Bite the bullet

Meaning: to face a challenging and unpleasant situation with courage and determination, usually because it is unavoidable. The idiom originates from the practice of having soldiers bite on a bullet during surgery to endure the pain before anaesthesia was available.

• Ken decided to bite the bullet and learn a new programming language in order to be competitive in the job market.
• The company bit the bullet and adopted a new project management tool to improve efficiency.

Blow a fuse

Meaning:  to become very angry or upset, often suddenly and explosively. It originates from the literal act of a fuse blowing in an electrical circuit, which causes a sudden interruption in power.

• Our boss blew a fuse when the project wasn’t completed on time.
• Sandra blew a fuse when she discovered her car had been towed.

Idioms Related to Technology

Caught in the web

Meaning: to be trapped or entangled in a complex or challenging situation that is often hard to escape. The phrase draws a parallel to how insects get trapped in a spider’s web.

• Lisa was caught in the web of a complicated relationship.
• Simon got caught in the web of financial troubles.

Cutting-edge

Meaning: refers to the most advanced and innovative aspects of a particular field or activity. It implies being at the forefront of development and technology, often leading the way with new ideas and breakthroughs.

• Sonya works in a cutting-edge research lab that focuses on genetic engineering.
• The hospital uses cutting-edge medical equipment for advanced treatments.

Digital footprint

Meaning: refers to the trail of data and information that a person leaves behind while using the internet. This includes anything from social media posts, online purchases, website visits, emails, and any other online activity.

• Pete decided to clean up his digital footprint by deleting old social media accounts.
• Judy’s extensive digital footprint made it easy for employers to learn about her background.

Down to the wire

Meaning: to wait until the last possible moment to complete something or being in a situation where the outcome is uncertain until the very end. The phrase originates from horse racing, where the finish line was marked by a wire, and the race could be decided in the final moments.

• The project came down to the wire, but we managed to finish it on time.
• It was a thrilling game that went down to the wire when Manchester United scored a goal in the last minute.

Idioms Related to Technology

Face time

Meaning: refers to person-to-person interaction or communication, as opposed to virtual or remote communication. It emphasizes the importance of being physically present and engaging with others directly.

• She values face time with her team to build stronger relationships.
• Face time with customers helps build trust and loyalty.

Get with the programme

Meaning: to adapt to new ways, rules, or expectations, often implying that someone needs to catch up or align with what others are already doing. It suggests that the person should understand and follow the current standards or practices.

• If you want to succeed in this company, you need to get with the programme and embrace the new policies.
• George realized he had to get with the programme and improve his skills to stay competitive.

Hit the panic button

Meaning: to react with fear, urgency, or alarm, often in response to a sudden or unexpected problem. It implies taking immediate action, sometimes hastily, due to a perceived crisis or emergency.

• The team hit the panic button when they found out their presentation was missing key slides.
• When the fire alarm went off, everyone hit the panic button and rushed to evacuate.

In the loop

Meaning: to be informed or included in a group or process, especially regarding important information or decisions. It suggests that someone is kept up-to-date and aware of what is happening.

• Please keep me in the loop about any changes to the project.
• They kept him in the loop during the entire negotiation process.

Idioms Related to Technology

Jump on the bandwagon

Meaning: to join others in something currently popular or trendy, often without considering whether it is the best choice.

• Many companies are jumping on the bandwagon of sustainable practices to attract eco-conscious consumers.
• The brand jumped on the bandwagon of social media marketing to reach a larger audience.

Light years ahead

Meaning: to be far more advanced or ahead in progress compared to others.

• The company’s technology is light years ahead of its competitors.
• Their research on renewable energy is light years ahead of other institutions.

Log off

Meaning:  to disconnect from a computer system, network, or online service by ending a session.

• He always logs off his email to protect his personal information.
• The IT department recommends logging off your workstation at the end of the day.

Lost in cyberspace

Meaning: to be unable to find or retrieve something on the internet, or feeling overwhelmed and confused by the vast amount of information available online. It can also refer to spending too much time online and losing track of time or reality.

• Maria spent hours searching for the article but felt completely lost in cyberspace.
• Chris got lost in cyberspace while trying to find the right website for his research.

Idioms Related to Technology

Off the grid

Meaning: to live without utilities, such as electricity, water, and gas, often by using alternative sources like solar power, wells, and septic systems. It can also refer to being disconnected from modern technology and communication networks, such as the Internet and mobile phones.

• Colin and his wife decided to live off the grid in a remote cabin in the mountains for a month.
• Jane felt refreshed after spending a weekend off the grid, away from all electronic devices.

On the same wavelength

Meaning: to share similar thoughts, understanding, or opinions with someone. It implies that two or more people are in harmony or agreement, which makes communication and collaboration easier.

• The new manager and the staff are on the same wavelength, which has improved productivity.
• Gemma felt an instant connection with Patrick as if they were on the same wavelength.

Out of steam

Meaning: to lose energy, motivation, or enthusiasm, often after a period of intense effort or activity. It means that someone or something has become tired and can no longer continue at the same pace.

• Anna ran out of steam while writing her novel and struggled to finish it.
• Josh ran out of steam halfway through the marathon and had to slow down.

Plug-and-play

Meaning: refers to devices that are designed to be easily installed and used without requiring complex setup or configuration. The idiom means that the user can simply connect (plug in) the device and start using it immediately (play), without needing to install additional software or perform extensive setup procedures.

• Ryan’s new printer is plug-and-play, so he can start printing right away without installing any drivers.
• The plug-and-play design of the network adapter allows for quick and easy internet connectivity.

Idioms Related to Technology

Pull the plug

Meaning: to stop doing something, often abruptly or decisively. It can refer to the ending of a project, activity, or service, usually because it is no longer effective or necessary.

• The TV network pulled the plug on the TV show due to low ratings.
• She decided to pull the plug on her social media accounts to focus on her mental health.

Push the envelope

Meaning: to go beyond the usual limits or boundaries, often by being innovative, daring, or unconventional. It implies challenging the status quo and exploring new possibilities.

• The startup aims to push the envelope in the field of artificial intelligence.
• The film director pushed the envelope with his latest film, exploring controversial themes.

Short circuit

Meaning: to cause a failure or disruption, often unexpectedly. This idiom comes from electricity, where it describes a situation where electricity takes an unintended path, thus causing equipment to malfunction, overheat, or become damaged.

• Lorna’s plans for the weekend were short-circuited by a sudden illness.
• His attempt to fix the appliance was short-circuited when he used the wrong tools.

Surf the web

Meaning: to browse or explore the internet, often casually and without a specific goal.

• Drew likes surfing the web in her free time, looking for interesting articles and videos.
• I often surf the web to learn new recipes and cooking tips.

Idioms Related to Technology

Tech-savvy

Meaning: refers to someone who is knowledgeable and skilled in using modern technology, especially computers, software, and the internet.

• Peter is very tech-savvy and can troubleshoot almost any computer problem.
• The tech-savvy teenager set up the new home network in no time.

The nuts and bolts

Meaning: refers to the basic, essential components or practical details of something. It emphasizes the fundamental aspects that are necessary for understanding or operating a system, process, or project.

• Before we start the project, let’s go over the nuts and bolts of the plan.
• The training session included the nuts and bolts of customer service.

Throw a wrench in the works

Meaning: to cause problems or disruptions in a plan, process, or system, often unexpectedly.

• Helen’s unexpected resignation threw a wrench in the works of the team’s plans.
• His last-minute objections threw a wrench in the works of the agreement.

Under the hood

Meaning: refers to the underlying mechanics or workings of something, often used to describe the technical details that are not immediately visible or obvious. It is commonly used in the context of software, technology, and machinery to explain what happens behind the scenes.

• The new software update includes several improvements under the hood.
• John enjoys tinkering with cars and understanding what goes on under the hood.

Idioms Related to Technology

Virtual reality

Meaning: refers to a simulated environment created by a computer that immerses users in a three-dimensional, interactive experience. Users typically wear VR headsets or goggles that display the virtual environment and often use hand devices to interact with the virtual world.

• The museum offers virtual reality tours of ancient historical sites.
• Virtual reality is used in training simulations for pilots and surgeons.

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