Lost on

Meaning

The idiom "lost on" means to be confused, puzzled or unable to understand something. It can also mean to take no notice of something or not care about it.

Usage

• I'm lost on the instructions for this new washing machine. Can you help me?
• She's always so lost on her thoughts that she forgets to hear what people are saying.
• The scientific concepts in this textbook are too advanced for me. I feel like I'm lost on them.
• The news of the world can be overwhelming. Sometimes, it feels like I'm lost on all the negativity.
• When I first heard about meditation, I thought it was too strange to understand. But now, I feel more at peace when I practice it. I'm no longer lost on the concept.

Roots and History

The idiom "lost on" has its roots in Old English, where "losten" meant "to be confused." Over time, the meaning expanded to include being unable to understand something or taking no notice of something. In contemporary language, the idiom is used more often in a figurative sense than the literal one, and it has become popular because of its simplicity and ease of use.

Synonyms in English

• Perplexed,
• Bewildered,
• Disoriented,
• Confused,
• Befuddled.

Synonyms in other languages

• Español: "Perdido",
• Français: "Étonné(e)",
• Deutsch: "Verwirrt",
• Italiano: "Confuso",
• Japanese: "困っています".

Similar Idioms

• let the cat out of the bag

• take on

• all of a sudden