🗓️ Idiom: A Slave to the Machine (noun)
💬 Meaning
- Being completely controlled by technology or work systems.
- Spending so much time working with machines or computers that you lose balance in life.
🧠 Example Sentences
- He felt like a slave to the machine, working nonstop in front of his computer.
- Many employees say they have become slaves to the machine because of constant emails and online meetings.
- She decided to set limits on her screen time so she would not become a slave to the machine.
🏛️ Origin
This expression became popular in the 20th century as technology and office automation grew. It compares modern workers to factory workers from the Industrial Revolution, who had to follow machines all day. Today, it often describes people who feel trapped by computers or constant digital work.
📝 Practice Exercises
1. Fill in the blank:
He works long hours every day and never switches off. He’s become __________.
Answer
a slave to the machine
2. Choose the correct option:
What does “a slave to the machine” mean?
a) Someone who controls all the machines at work
b) Someone who feels trapped by technology and nonstop work
c) Someone who refuses to use a computer
Answer
b) Someone who feels trapped by technology and nonstop work
3. Change the sentence using “a slave to the machine”:
“She works day and night on her laptop and never takes a break.”
Answer
She’s become a slave to the machine, working day and night without rest.
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