idiot light
- noun
- /ˈɪdiət laɪt/
- Specialized
:
luz de advertencia
- After checking the idiot light, I realized I needed to add more oil to my car.
Examples
-
Neon idiot lights.
Fiction book (2000) -
When the engine started to overheat, the idiot light on the dashboard illuminated.
-
The idiot lights blinked fitfully.
Fiction book (1999) -
If the idiot light comes on, it’s important to pull over and check your vehicle.
Synonyms
11
3.7
A device that shows the condition of a machine or system
7
3.2
A light that turns on in vehicles or machines to show a problem
A small light that shows when a device is on or working
Surface Forms
Morphology
idiot + light
Although 'light' clearly denotes a lamp or indicator, the modifier 'idiot' is a pejorative/metaphorical use whose specific automotive sense (a simple warning indicator that replaces a gauge) is jargon. A B1 learner who knows the words would likely guess it is some kind of light and that 'idiot' signals a negative or simplistic quality, but would not reliably infer the precise meaning without exposure.
Etymology
Idiot light comes from early car dashboards that used one simple red light instead of detailed gauges, so even someone who knew little about cars could see it was on. That's why it now means a simple warning light that shows a 'mechanical problem' rather than giving exact numbers.