Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
the lights are on but nobody is at home
idiom
ðə laɪts ɑr ɑn bət ˈnoʊbɔdi ɪz æt hoʊm
Definition
A phrase used to describe a person who is physically present but mentally absent or not aware of their surroundings.
Examples
- During the meeting, it felt like John was just going through the motions; the lights are on but nobody is at home.
- She nodded as if she understood, but it was clear that the lights were on but nobody was at home.
Meaning
This expression implies that a person may appear to be engaged or attentive, but in reality, they are not thinking clearly or are distracted.
Synonyms
- absent-minded
- zoned out
- brain dead
- not all there
