von der Rolle sein
to be exhausted, out of sorts or confused; off one's game
Origin
The expression comes from cycle racing, specifically motor-paced (stayer) racing: the cyclist rides close behind a motorbike fitted with a roller to use its slipstream. If they lose contact and come 'off the roller', they forfeit the slipstream advantage.
Building blocks
Words in this expression
Grammar that uses this word
- High-register causal and consecutive connectorsKausale und konsekutive Konnektoren der Hochsprache
Examples
Nach der durchwachten war ich im von der .
After the sleepless night I was completely off my game in the meeting.