English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Zone out
Meaning
"Zone out" is an idiom that means to disconnect from reality or the present moment, often by absent-mindedly staring at something, daydreaming, or being in a trance-like state. It can also refer to someone who is unaware of what's happening around them or who has a tuned-out appearance.
Usage
- After a long day at work, John decided to zone out while watching TV to unwind.
- During the music performance, many people in the crowd zoned out and started dancing without paying attention to the band.
- When I'm studying for an exam, I often zone out and forget everything else around me.
- My friend always zones out when she hears the sound of metal scraping on metal, even if we're in a noisy environment.
- While driving, it's important to stay alert and avoid zoning out, as it can lead to accidents.
Roots and History
The idiom "zone out" first appeared in American English in the 1960s. It was originally used to describe a person who was under the influence of drugs or alcohol and had a blank, vacant expression on their face. Over time, the meaning of the idiom has expanded to include anyone who is disconnected from reality or not paying attention to what's happening around them.
Synonyms in English
- Daydreaming
- Absent-mindedness
- Tune out
- Space out
- Daze off
Synonyms in other languages
- 在意识之外 (Zài yǐzhì zhōubù) - Chinese: "to be outside of awareness"
- זוניתן (Zònenitən) - Hebrew: "to be in a trance-like state"
- מיילהיים (Miylaḥyim) - Yiddish: "to fall into a trance or daze"
- אוןיסטריתך (Aynestritəkh) - Hebrew: "to be absent-minded"
- לויהים בעד מצרים (Lohayim b'echad Mitzrayim) - Hebrew: "to be in a state of numbness or insensibility"