on the fritz

Verb Phrases

1. fritz out, to become inoperable.

Idioms

2. on the fritz, not in working order: Our TV went on the fritz last night.

German familiar form of masc. proper name Friedrich; as a characteristic name for a German, from 1883, especially in World War I. On the fritz “inoperative” (1903) is American English slang, of unknown origin. Earliest references suggest a theatrical origin. see under on the blink. see on the blink (fritz).