lose one’s touch: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘lose one's touch’ mean?
The idiomatic expression "lose one's touch" means to lose one's ability or skill in doing something that was previously done well or with expertise.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "put one's finger on" means to identify or pinpoint something. It refers to the action of physically touching or indicating the exact location of something, usually when trying to understand or solve a problem.
The idiom "out of touch" means to be unaware or uninformed about a particular topic or the current situation. It implies a lack of understanding or familiarity with something or someone.
The idiom "out of the loop" means someone is uninformed or lacks knowledge about a specific situation or topic.
The idiom "out of one's mind" means to be mentally deranged or insane.
The idiom "out of one's element" means to be in a situation or place where one feels uncomfortable or is not able to perform as well as usual.
The idiom "old hand" refers to someone who is experienced or skilled in a particular activity or job.
The idiom "off one's hinges" means to be mentally unstable or irrational. It describes someone who has lost their composure or sanity, often behaving in a wild or unpredictable manner.
The idiom "off one's game" means to be performing below one's usual level of skill or ability. It suggests a temporary decline in performance or a lack of focus, often used in sports but can be applied to any situation requiring skill or expertise.
The idiom "off one's dot" means to be mentally unstable or crazy. It suggests that someone is not thinking clearly or rationally.
Skill Fading: Vanishing Mastery
lose touch is another idiomatic expression commonly used in English. It refers to a loss of connection or communication with someone or something. When someone loses touch, they no longer have regular contact or interaction with a person or a specific situation. This can happen for various reasons, such as distance, changing circumstances, or a breakdown in the relationship. Losing touch can lead to a sense of disconnection and the loss of valuable connections and relationships.
lose it is a phrase that many of us are familiar with. It means to lose control or composure in a particular situation. When someone loses it, they become overwhelmed by their emotions or frustrations and may react in an uncharacteristic or extreme manner. This can include shouting, becoming aggressive, or behaving irrationally. Losing it often happens when someone reaches a breaking point and can no longer maintain their composure or self-control.
lose one's cool is another idiom that is closely related to losing it. It carries a similar meaning of losing control or composure, particularly in a situation that is frustrating or angering. When someone loses their cool, they become visibly agitated or upset and may express their emotions in ways that are out of character. They might raise their voice, make angry gestures, or say things they later regret. Losing one's cool can have negative consequences, as it can damage relationships and make it difficult to resolve conflicts or problems effectively.
lose one's temper is yet another idiom that overlaps with losing it and losing one's cool. It refers specifically to a loss of control over one's anger or frustration. When someone loses their temper, they become enraged or extremely angry and may lash out verbally or physically. This can result in shouting, yelling, or even violent behavior. Losing one's temper can have serious consequences, as it often leads to damaged relationships and can result in harm to oneself or others.
These related idioms highlight different aspects of losing one's touch. Losing touch focuses on the loss of connection or communication, while losing it, losing one's cool, and losing one's temper all emphasize the loss of control or composure in different contexts. However, they all share the common theme of a decline or deterioration in one's ability to handle situations or maintain relationships effectively.
The idiom lose one's touch captures the concept of a loss of skill or proficiency. Its origins may be unclear, but its meaning and usage in the English language are well-established. Whether used in a literal or figurative sense, the expression conveys a sense of decline or deterioration in one's abilities. Additionally, the related idioms of lose touch, lose it, lose one's cool, and lose one's temper offer complementary perspectives on the theme of a loss of control or connection. Together, these idioms provide a rich and nuanced understanding of the complexities of human abilities and the challenges we may face in maintaining them.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "lose one's touch" can be used in a sentence:
- After switching careers, John seems to have lost his touch in sales.
- Once a brilliant pianist, Amanda's recent performances show that she has lost her touch.
- Since getting injured, the soccer player has lost his touch on the field.