The story
Probably an allusion to the important responsibilities of a railway switchman.
Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.
asleep at the switch
Today it means: Neglectful of an important task, responsibility, or opportunity. Full definition →
Today it means: Neglectful of an important task, responsibility, or opportunity. Full definition →
Probably an allusion to the important responsibilities of a railway switchman.
Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.