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Glite Dictionary
to recharge my batteries

to recharge my batteries

3 4.1
To rest or do something fun to get energy again
  • phrasal verb
  • /riːˈtʃɑːrdʒ maɪ ˈbætəriz/
  • Informal
translation icon : recargar energías
  • I'm just gonna lie here and recharge my batteries.

Examples

  • I usually take a day off to recharge my batteries when I start feeling overwhelmed.

  • Taking a short vacation is a great way to recharge my batteries and return to work refreshed.

  • I just mean a weekend away to recharge my batteries and clear my head.

    Serendipity (2001)

  • I need to be alone to recharge my batteries.

    Blog text (24)

  • I just feel like I need to get out of here... recharge my batteries, go on vacation.

    The 41–Year–Old Virgin Who Knocked Up Sarah Marshall and Felt Superbad About It (2010)

  • For me, attending events such as Conversion Conference allows me to recharge my batteries and reignite my passion for work.

    Blog text (22)

  • In September 2011, I left a 30-year career in association management to recharge my batteries, reassess my goals, and begin a new, more purposeful life.

    Blog text (21)

  • After a long week of work, I like to take some time off to recharge my batteries at the beach.

Synonyms

to energize
vsto recharge my batteries
  • US
65 3.7

To make someone feel more active and alert

emphasizes passive rest or enjoyable downtime to regain energy
to refresh
vsto recharge my batteries
50 2.8

Make someone or something feel full of energy and less tired

focuses on longer rest or enjoyment to regain energy and enthusiasm
to recuperate
vsto recharge my batteries
30 6.3

To get better after being ill, injured, or very tired

uses rest or pleasure to regain everyday energy rather than medical recovery
to invigorate
vsto recharge my batteries
26 5.5

To give more energy and make someone or something feel lively

relies on restful enjoyment to restore energy rather than stimulation
to recharge
vsto recharge my batteries
20 3.6

To rest and get energy back after being tired

emphasizes doing enjoyable rest to regain both energy and enthusiasm
to reinvigorate
vsto recharge my batteries
19 5.7

To give new energy and interest to a person or thing

is about gaining energy specifically through rest or pleasant activities
to take a breather
vsto recharge my batteries
  • Informal
14 3.5

To stop and rest for a short time

involves longer or more enjoyable rest to fully regain enthusiasm
to reenergize
vsto recharge my batteries
  • US
3 4.1

To give new energy and enthusiasm to a person or thing

stresses recovery through restful or enjoyable activity rather than direct boosting
to recharge one's batteries
vsto recharge my batteries
  • Informal
1 3.6

Rest or take a break to get your energy back

applies the same idea but focuses on the speaker personally

How Energized

to rejuvenate
24 5.5
to revitalize
  • US
45 4.8
to recharge my batteries
  • Informal
3 4.1
to rest
816 1.0
to take a break
496 1.4

Surface Forms

recharge my batteries infinitive
recharged my batteries past
recharged my batteries past participle
recharging my batteries present participle
recharges my batteries third person singular

Morphology

recharge + mine + battery

The verb 'recharge' (restore energy) combined with 'my batteries' (a source of power) creates an obvious metaphor mapping physical battery charging onto restoring personal energy, so a learner who knows the words can readily infer the meaning. This is a conventionalized metaphorical extension rather than a literal compositional phrase, so it is partially but not fully literal.

Etymology

Recharge my batteries comes from the picture of real batteries that must be plugged in to recharge so they have power again. So, it means 'to rest and get energy back'.