conk out
B1 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words
When a machine suddenly stops working, or when you fall asleep because you are very tired.
Meanings
1 B1
idiomatic
informal
Of a machine or engine: to stop functioning suddenly.
"Our car conked out on the motorway and we had to call for assistance."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B1
idiomatic
informal
Of a person: to fall asleep suddenly, especially from exhaustion.
"After the marathon, she conked out on the couch and didn't wake up for twelve hours."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Common in informal British and American English. Very frequently used for machines or engines that break down unexpectedly, or for people who fall asleep from tiredness. Rarely used in formal writing.
Commonly used with
engine car laptop sofa exhaustion immediately
Forms
Base
conk out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
conks out
he/she/it
Past simple
conked out
yesterday
Past participle
conked out
have + pp
-ing form
conking out
continuous
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