can't see straight

can't see straight

1. Has impaired vision, often due to drunkenness. He's so drunk that he can't see straight. Please make sure he gets home safely. A: "Whew, I can't see straight after all those shots!" B: "Here, put your arm around me, I'll walk you back to our table." Just ignore that drunken fool—he can't see straight, and he definitely doesn't know what he's saying.

2. Cannot function, typically due to anger, frustration, fatigue, etc. I'll drive mom to the cemetery—she's so upset she can't see straight. After working a 36-hour shift, I can't see straight and only want to climb into bed. How dare he say something that hurtful, and downright offensive, about me? Ugh, I'm so angry I can't see straight!

See also: see, straight

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

can't see straight

Fig. cannot function (often because of strong emotion). I am so mad I can't see straight. She left me so frustrated that I couldn't see straight.

See also: see, straight

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.