asleep at the wheel

The phrase "asleep at the wheel" is an idiomatic expression that means someone is not paying attention or not taking the necessary action in a situation where they should be fully engaged and alert. It refers to a lack of awareness, negligence, or incompetence in a particular task or responsibility, often resulting in negative consequences or missed opportunities. The phrase is commonly used to describe someone who is not actively participating or making informed decisions in a specific context.