go out like a light

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Teo

#423718 Wed, 26 Sep 07 08:30 AM

According to Longman Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs, to go out like a light means to lose consciousness.

According to Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary, to go out like a light means to go to sleep very quickly.

Which explanation is correct?

Teo

Joined on Tue, Sep 28 2004

Taiwan

Contributing Member (1,626)

Thank you very much for your reply.

nona the brit

#423729 Wed, 26 Sep 07 08:44 AM

I suppose these are two extremes of the same thing - one is voluntary and the other isn't. I've heard both meanings used but I'd say the sleeping one is far more common.

nona the brit

Joined on Wed, Sep 22 2004

England

Veteran Member (11,430)

The name says it all.