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# not firing on all cylinders

idiom (verb phrase: not firing on all cylinders, isn't firing on all cylinders)

«not firing on all cylinders» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

1. (euphemism, informal) not thinking clearly or not working at one's best because of tiredness, illness or age.
2. (literal, cars) an engine is not working properly because one cylinder is not working.

### In the lessons

People use it about themselves to excuse a mistake, or kindly about someone who is tired, ill or getting old; also about teams or companies doing badly. Everyday register, all English-speaking countries.

### Examples

- Sorry, I'm not firing on all cylinders today — I've got a cold.
- Grandma's not firing on all cylinders any more, she forgets names.
- The team wasn't firing on all cylinders in the first half.
- The old car isn't firing on all cylinders; it shakes at traffic lights.
- After two hours' sleep I'm not firing on all cylinders.
- He's a nice guy but not firing on all cylinders, if you know what I mean.

### Note

It comes from car engines. Said about yourself it is light; said about an old person it can hint at memory loss and be unkind. Plain words: not thinking clearly, slow, not at one's best.