Grammar fix
be on the blink
be unreliable
If equipment is on the blink, it is not working reliably and may stop or start unexpectedly.
How oftenNow and then
LevelB2
Used inMostly spoken
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
The old printer's on the blink again, so I'll send the form by email.
My parents still have an old washing machine that's been on the blink for months, but they keep repairing it because a new one is expensive.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: The TV is in the blink again.
Say: The TV is on the blink again.
The fixed preposition is 'on'.
Don't confuse it
Other ways to say it
A machine isn't working properly
Where common?US-leaningBritish
act upEspecially American: machines, devices, or body parts cause trouble.
be on the blinkYou're here · British and informal: equipment is unreliable or faulty.
play upEspecially British: devices or body parts keep causing problems.