Technology is part of our everyday life. From the phones we use to the computers we work on, it’s always there to make things easier, faster, and sometimes even more fun. But did you know there are many great idioms that come from the world of technology? In this article, I’ll share 27 idioms for technology that are simple, clear, and perfect for anyone, even if you’re just getting started. These idioms can help you sound more natural, kind, and thoughtful when talking about tech in everyday life. Let’s explore them together!
1. Pull the plug
Meaning:
To stop something from happening.
In a sentence:
The company pulled the plug on the old website.
Best use:
When something is shut down.
Other ways to say:
- Stop it
- Shut it down
- End it
2. On the same wavelength
Meaning:
Thinking the same way as someone else.
In a sentence:
We’re on the same wavelength about the new app design.
Best use:
When working well with someone.
Other ways to say:
- Think alike
- Agree
- Understand each other
3. Push someone’s buttons
Meaning:
To annoy someone.
In a sentence:
Don’t push my buttons with computer jokes!
Best use:
When someone is getting on your nerves.
Other ways to say:
- Bother
- Annoy
- Tease
4. Back to the drawing board
Meaning:
Start over after something fails.
In a sentence:
The software crashed, so it’s back to the drawing board.
Best use:
When redoing something.
Other ways to say:
- Try again
- Start fresh
- Redo it
5. Hit the reset button
Meaning:
Start over or try again.
In a sentence:
After the glitch, we hit the reset button.
Best use:
When giving something a fresh start.
Other ways to say:
- Restart
- Begin again
- Do over
6. Blow a fuse
Meaning:
To get really angry.
In a sentence:
He blew a fuse when his laptop broke.
Best use:
When someone loses their temper.
Other ways to say:
- Get mad
- Lose it
- Be upset
7. Bells and whistles
Meaning:
Extra features.
In a sentence:
This phone has all the bells and whistles.
Best use:
When something has lots of fun extras.
Other ways to say:
- Fancy stuff
- Extra tools
- Special features
8. Light years ahead
Meaning:
Much better or more advanced.
In a sentence:
This new tablet is light years ahead of the old one.
Best use:
When talking about great improvements.
Other ways to say:
- Far better
- Much advanced
- Way ahead
9. Crash and burn
Meaning:
To completely fail.
In a sentence:
The website launch crash and burned.
Best use:
When something fails badly.
Other ways to say:
- Fall apart
- Go wrong
- Flop
10. Plug and play
Meaning:
Easy to use right away.
In a sentence:
This speaker is plug and play.
Best use:
When talking about simple tech.
Other ways to say:
- Ready to go
- Easy to use
- Quick setup
11. Run out of steam
Meaning:
To get too tired to continue.
In a sentence:
I ran out of steam after coding all night.
Best use:
When you’re too tired to go on.
Other ways to say:
- Lose energy
- Slow down
- Get tired
12. Break the internet
Meaning:
To get huge online attention.
In a sentence:
That video broke the internet!
Best use:
When something goes viral.
Other ways to say:
- Go viral
- Get famous online
- Make big news
13. Not rocket science
Meaning:
Something easy to do.
In a sentence:
Using this phone isn’t rocket science.
Best use:
When something is simple.
Other ways to say:
- Super easy
- Not hard
- Simple task
14. Power up
Meaning:
To get started.
In a sentence:
Power up the laptop before class.
Best use:
When turning something on.
Other ways to say:
- Start
- Turn on
- Get ready
15. Face time
Meaning:
Time spent talking in person or over video.
In a sentence:
Let’s get some face time with the team.
Best use:
When meeting people.
Other ways to say:
- Meet up
- Chat
- Talk
16. Glitch in the system
Meaning:
A small problem.
In a sentence:
There’s a glitch in the system causing delays.
Best use:
When something goes wrong.
Other ways to say:
- Bug
- Error
- Mistake
17. Update your status
Meaning:
Share news about yourself.
In a sentence:
I updated my status to show I’m on vacation.
Best use:
When sharing online.
Other ways to say:
- Post news
- Share update
- Tell people
18. Offline
Meaning:
Not connected to the internet.
In a sentence:
I’ll be offline this weekend.
Best use:
When you won’t be around online.
Other ways to say:
- Logged off
- Disconnected
- Away
19. Boot up
Meaning:
Start a computer.
In a sentence:
Boot up your laptop for the meeting.
Best use:
When turning on devices.
Other ways to say:
- Start up
- Power on
- Get going
20. Digital detox
Meaning:
Taking a break from screens.
In a sentence:
I’m doing a digital detox this weekend.
Best use:
When resting from tech.
Other ways to say:
- Screen break
- Offline time
- Tech pause
21. Fast forward
Meaning:
Move ahead quickly.
In a sentence:
Let’s fast forward to the good part.
Best use:
When skipping ahead.
Other ways to say:
- Skip ahead
- Move forward
- Jump ahead
22. Reboot
Meaning:
To start over.
In a sentence:
Reboot the system to fix it.
Best use:
When fixing or restarting.
Other ways to say:
- Restart
- Refresh
- Begin again
23. Screen time
Meaning:
Time spent using devices.
In a sentence:
I try to limit my screen time.
Best use:
When talking about healthy habits.
Other ways to say:
- Device time
- Online hours
- Tech use
24. Wired in
Meaning:
Focused and working hard.
In a sentence:
She’s wired in and coding.
Best use:
When someone is super focused.
Other ways to say:
- Deep work
- Zoned in
- Locked on
25. Cloud nine
Meaning:
Feeling very happy.
In a sentence:
She was on cloud nine after finishing her app.
Best use:
When feeling joyful.
Other ways to say:
- Super happy
- Overjoyed
- Full of joy
26. Surf the web
Meaning:
Look around online.
In a sentence:
I spent the afternoon surfing the web.
Best use:
When browsing online.
Other ways to say:
- Search online
- Browse
- Look around
27. Tech-savvy
Meaning:
Good with technology.
In a sentence:
My grandma is really tech-savvy!
Best use:
When talking about skills.
Other ways to say:
- Good with gadgets
- Smart with tech
- Knows computers
Conclusion
These 27 idioms for technology can help you sound clear, thoughtful, and natural while talking about tech in everyday life. Whether you’re chatting about gadgets, work, or just having fun online, these phrases are easy and friendly ways to express yourself.
