PhrasesHub

Friday afternoon car

    Definitions

      • unreliable or malfunctioning
        To describe something, typically a machine or technology, that is prone to breaking down or not functioning properly, especially on a Friday afternoon when people are ready for the weekend and less focused on their work.

      • poor quality
        Refers to something that is of low quality or not up to standard, often due to rushed or careless production. Similar to the phrase "a lemon," which means a product that is defective or not as advertised.

      • last-minute or rushed
        Indicates something that has been hastily put together or arranged, often with little time for proper planning or preparation. This can refer to a project, presentation, or event that has been thrown together at the last minute, often on a Friday afternoon when people are eager to finish their work and start their weekend.

    Examples of Friday afternoon car

    • The old car sitting in the corner of the parking lot is a real Friday afternoon car.

      In this example, "Friday afternoon car" is being used as a metaphor to describe a car that is old, outdated, and unreliable. The phrase "Friday afternoon" refers to the end of the workweek when many people are already heading home, and by extension, this car is something that people would rather avoid at the end of the day or week. Essentially, this car is the kind you might find sitting idle and forgotten during the less busy hours of the working week.

    • The company's new software release was a real Friday afternoon car.

      Here, the phrase "Friday afternoon car" is being used metaphorically to describe something that is incomplete, unreliable, or sub-par. The software release, rather than being a slick, well-polished product, is something that users will encounter problems with or find lacking in functionality. This particular formulation of the idiom is a creative use of the phrase, stretching its original meaning beyond the realm of physical objects to encompass intangible concepts like software.

    • Getting caught in the rain with an umbrella that's about to break is as frustrating as dealing with a Friday afternoon car.

      In this example, the user is making a comparison based on the level of frustration that arises from dealing with a broken umbrella and having to work with an outdated car. The idiom, here, is being employed to add color and texture to the description, imbuing the comparison with a sense of the comedic and melodramatic. In essence, the idiom is being used as a shorthand way to convey the idea that both situations are flawed, unreliable, and somewhat comic in their disastrous qualities.

    • The old limo parked outside the club was the epitome of the Friday afternoon car.

      Here, the user is using the phrase to describe an ostentatious but seriously flawed object, in this case, a limousine that is old, outdated, and unlikely to function as intended. By describing it as a "Friday afternoon car," the user is suggesting that the limo is a symbol of the less functional, less dynamic aspects of the glamorous city nightlife scene. It's something that people might see, but it shouldn't be taken too seriously or regarded as representative of the scene as a whole. Essentially, this use of the idiom is a way to depict a flashy and ostentatious object as being something that's ultimately less than the sum of its parts.

    • The sales manager announced that the budget for the new marketing campaign has been reduced unexpectedly, leaving the team with limited resources and uncertain plans for the future. The mood in the office was tense, and some employees began to worry about their job security. In response, the HR department announced that they would be instituting a hiring freeze, except for essential positions. However, they noted that there would be a few exceptions, particularly for positions involving productivity and efficiency. They went on to explain that these exceptions would be made for key employees who could make a significant contribution to the company's bottom line. One position that would be exempt from the hiring freeze was the role of senior account manager, which had become vacant after the departure of a high-performing executive. The HR representative emphasized that they were looking for someone who could quickly take over the responsibilities of the former manager and generate results for the company. She urged employees to refer any qualified candidates they knew, stating that the search was a top priority for the company.

      This example demonstrates the use of the "Friday afternoon car" idiom in a business context, where the sudden announcement of a hiring freeze and exceptions for certain positions creates a sense of uncertainty and anticipation among employees. The idiom suggests that unexpected changes or announcements - like the news of a sudden reduction in resources or a hiring freeze - can have a domino effect on other aspects of the organization, much like the curiosity and discussion that arises in the office parking lot when a new, flashy car shows up on a Friday afternoon. In this example, the announcement of the hiring freeze has prompted some employees to speculate about the reasons behind the decision and who might be affected - much like the speculation that can arise around the arrival of a new executive or high-performing team member. The HR representative's emphasis on the importance of the senior account manager position suggests that this exception is highly significant, much like the arrival of a particularly impressive "Friday afternoon car" might cause a stir among employees. Overall, this example demonstrates the flexibility and adaptability of the "Friday afternoon car" idiom, which can be applied to a variety of situations to convey a sense of anticipation, curiosity, and uncertainty.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "Friday afternoon car" is typically used to describe something that is unreliable, of poor quality, or last-minute. It conveys a sense of caution and warning, advising against relying on or investing in something that is prone to issues or not up to standard. The phrase can be interpreted in a literal sense, referring to cars that may break down more easily on a Friday afternoon, or as a metaphor for any type of product or project that may have issues or be rushed.

    Origin of "Friday afternoon car"

    The origin of the idiom "Friday afternoon car" is uncertain, but it is likely derived from the idea that workers are less focused and productive on Friday afternoons as they are looking forward to the weekend. This can lead to mistakes, rushed work, and a general lack of attention to detail, which can result in unreliable or poor quality products or projects. The phrase may have originated in a workplace setting, but it can now be applied to various situations and contexts.