Is the new guy at work struggling to make an impact? If he looks unintelligent, you could say, 'the lights are on, but nobody's home' to describe his idiocy. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
You can use the expression 'the lights are on, but nobody's home' to describe a stupid person or someone that seems out of their depth in the current situation. If someone appears disillusioned, confused, or dazed, you could say, 'the lights are on, but nobody's home' to describe their demeanor and actions.
The phrase can describe someone that looks like they're daydreaming or has their mind on other things. It can also represent an intelligent person who seems to be distracted by other tasks. 'The lights are on, but nobody's home' can refer to someone lacking alertness or appearing dull.
Example Usage
"Did you see Bidens after he gave his speech? It's like he doesn't know what going on. Dementia must be ruining his mind. It's like the lights are on, but nobody's home."
"I don't know about the new guy. He looks like the lights are on, but nobody's home. I think we might have to let him go."
"I was trying to speak some sense into her, but it's like the lights are on and nobody's home. I don't know how to get through to her."
"Seeing that girl in a coma is so heartbreaking. It's like the lights are on, but nobody's home. I hope she comes out of it soon."
"There's no way I'm going to trust her with that. The lights are on, but nobody's home, and she's as dumb as a doornail. I can't trust her to deliver on her promises."
"Don't bother asking the waiter. The lights are on, but nobody's home with that guy. How he has a job is beyond me."
"I tried to get them to see our side of things. The lights are on, but nobody's home with these people. They just seem too stupid to deal with. Let's go."
Origin
The expression ‘the lights are on, but nobody’s home originates from America in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The phrase first appears in ‘Organizational Behavior,’ a novel penned by author Jason A. Colquitt in 1974.
However, the phrase appears straightforward in use, referring to a well-lit home with no occupants inside. Language experts are unsure when the expression's figurative meaning appeared in English or who coined the term.
Phrases Similar to Lights are on but Nobody's Home
- The wheel is turning, but the hamster is dead.
- Dumb as a doornail.
- Stupid is as stupid does.
Phrases Opposite to Lights are on but Nobody's Home
- Sharp.
- On point.
- With it.
What is the Correct Saying?
- The lights are on, but nobody’s home.
- The lights are on but no one’s home.
Ways People May Say Lights are on but Nobody's Home Incorrectly
The phrase 'the lights are on, but nobody's home' doesn't have anything to do with the lighting setup at your home or apartment. The 'lights' in the saying refer to a person's mental awareness, while 'nobody's home' means that they're unaware of their surroundings or their impact on people around them.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Lights are on, but Nobody's Home
You can use 'the lights are on, but nobody's home' in social and professional situations. For instance, if the new employee at work doesn't seem too sharp, you could say 'the lights are on but nobody's home, to describe their intelligence. Or you could use the phrase to describe someone with dementia appearing lost when speaking to people.
'The lights are on, but no one is home' is usually an indirect insult to someone, but you could say it to someone's face if you're feeling brash. The expression suits use in text-based communications and verbal exchanges when describing someone stupid, unintelligent, or unaware of their physical presence or actions.