Idioms enrich our language by conveying meanings in a figurative way. When it comes to describing less-than-brilliant moments or decisions, English has a colorful array of expressions. Here are 20 idioms that creatively express the concept of stupidity, each accompanied by a concise definition and a brief example.
Idioms That Describe Stupidity
1. Not the sharpest tool in the shed
Meaning: Lacking intelligence or understanding
Example: He’s not the sharpest tool in the shed.
2. A few sandwiches short of a picnic
Meaning: Lacking common sense
Example: She’s a few sandwiches short.
3. Not the brightest bulb
Meaning: Not very intelligent
Example: He’s not the brightest bulb.
4. Lights are on but nobody’s home
Meaning: Not very responsive or aware
Example: Talking to him feels like the lights are on but nobody’s home.
5. Thick as two short planks
Meaning: Very stupid
Example: He’s as thick as two short planks.
6. Dumber than a box of rocks
Meaning: Extremely stupid
Example: She’s dumber than a box of rocks.
7. As dumb as a bag of hammers
Meaning: Very stupid or foolish
Example: He’s as dumb as a bag of hammers.
8. Not playing with a full deck
Meaning: Not mentally sound
Example: He’s not playing with a full deck.
9. A few fries short of a Happy Meal
Meaning: Lacking intelligence
Example: She’s a few fries short of a Happy Meal.
10. Doesn’t have all his ducks in a row
Meaning: Disorganized or scatter-brained
Example: He doesn’t have all his ducks in a row.
11. One taco short of a combo platter
Meaning: Missing full mental capacity
Example: She’s one taco short of a combo platter.
12. Not the brightest star in the sky
Meaning: Not very intelligent
Example: He’s not the brightest star in the sky.
13. Couldn’t pour water out of a boot with instructions on the heel
Meaning: Lacking common sense
Example: He couldn’t pour water out of a boot.
14. Not firing on all cylinders
Meaning: Not operating at full mental capacity
Example: She’s not firing on all cylinders today.
15. As sharp as a marble
Meaning: Not very smart or quick-witted
Example: He’s as sharp as a marble.
16. Two bricks shy of a load
Meaning: Lacking common sense or intelligence
Example: He’s two bricks shy of a load.
17. The elevator doesn’t go to the top floor
Meaning: Not fully mentally aware
Example: His elevator doesn’t go to the top floor.
18. A few clowns short of a circus
Meaning: Not all there; a bit crazy or silly
Example: She’s a few clowns short of a circus.
19. His antenna doesn’t pick up all channels
Meaning: Not understanding or comprehending everything
Example: His antenna doesn’t pick up all channels.
20. A few beers short of a six-pack
Meaning: Not the brightest; lacking in common sense
Example: He’s a few beers short of a six-pack.
