Out to lunch
Meaning
To be unaware, irrational, or disconnected from reality, often in a foolish or eccentric way.
Origin
The phrase "out to lunch" emerged in the mid-20th century, likely from the bustling American office environment. Initially, it described someone literally absent from their post, away from their desk for a lunch break, and thus unavailable or unaware of immediate happenings. This literal absence soon began to morph into a vivid metaphor. If a person was acting foolishly, irrationally, or seemed completely detached from reality, it was as if their mind—their essential presence and faculties—had also metaphorically gone "out to lunch." Their body might be there, but their wits and common sense were off enjoying a mental midday meal, leaving them blissfully out of touch with the world around them.
Examples
- When she suggested we invest in a pyramid scheme, I realized she was completely out to lunch.
- The manager's new policy was so ill-conceived, it seemed like he was out to lunch when he drafted it.