на приколе

• НА ПРИКОЛЕ{{}}

[PrepP; Invar; usu. subj-compl with copula]

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1. nautical [subj: a noun denoting a ship, a vessel]

⇒ sth. is secured by cables, anchors etc:

- X на приколе{{}}≈ X is moored;

- X is (lies) at anchor.

2. [subj: a noun denoting a car, a piece of machinery, equipment]

⇒ sth. is inactive, not in operation:

- X (стоит) на приколе{{}}≈ X is idle (laid up, not in use).

     ♦ "Райкомовская легковуха [substand = легковая машина] зимой на приколе - не сидеть же тебе сложа руки" (Абрамов 1). "The District Committee jalopy is laid up in the winter, and you can't just sit twiddling your thumbs" (1a)