idiot's lantern

plural idiot's lanterns

1. UKA television set.

   1 more example

   The idea of restoring a car is very tempting on many levels, whether it is the sense of achievement in having saved a 2CV from the scrap man, the acquiring and exercising of new skills, better use of your time than hours glued to the idiot's lantern or last but not least, the chance to save some hard earned money.

   2007, Mark Paxton, The Essential Buyer's Guide: Citroën 2CV, Veloce Publishing, page 51

   Synonyms: boob tube, goggle box, idiot box