lose your touch

Meaning

This expression means to lose an ability, talent, or skill that you used to be very good at. It is often used in a lighthearted or slightly teasing way among friends or colleagues.

Examples

• I missed three shots in a row; I must be losing my touch.

  I missed three shots in a row; I must be losing my touch.

• The chef's latest dish was terrible; has he lost his touch?

  The chef's latest dish was terrible; has he lost his touch?

• Don't worry, you haven't lost your touch; that was a great performance.

  Don't worry, you haven't lost your touch; that was a great performance.

• She used to be great at negotiating, but she seems to have lost her touch.

  She used to be great at negotiating, but she seems to have lost her touch.

• I haven't played piano in years, so I've definitely lost my touch.

  I haven't played piano in years, so I've definitely lost my touch.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I am losing my touch of playing tennis.

  ✓ I am losing my touch at tennis.

  We do not usually follow 'lose your touch' with an 'of + -ing' structure. Use 'at' or simply state the activity separately.

• ✗ He lost his touch feeling.

  ✓ He lost his touch.

  'Touch' here is a figurative noun meaning skill. Adding 'feeling' makes it sound like a physical medical issue.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I used to be so good at chess, but lately I keep losing. I think I'm ___.

  💡 Losing my skill or ability

  Show answer

  losing my touch

• The legendary director's new movie failed at the box office. Some say he has ___.

  💡 Lost his talent over time

  Show answer

  lost his touch