Idioms are a fun and quirky part of language that bring color and creativity to our conversations. They don’t always mean what the words literally say, but they help express ideas, emotions, and humor in a more vivid way. Learning idioms can be a great way to understand and communicate more effectively in everyday situations. In this article, we’ll explore 57 idioms related to the concept of “stupid,” their meanings, examples, and other ways to say the same thing. Let’s dive into these expressions and see how they can be used in fun and relatable ways!
Idioms for Stupid
1. A few fries short of a Happy Meal
Meaning: Someone who is not very smart or is acting a little silly.
In a Sentence: I think he’s a few fries short of a Happy Meal if he thinks that plan will work.
Other Ways to Say: Not the sharpest tool in the shed, Not all there
2. Not the sharpest tool in the shed
Meaning: Someone who is not very intelligent or quick to understand things.
In a Sentence: Don’t expect him to solve the problem right away; he’s not the sharpest tool in the shed.
Other Ways to Say: A few sandwiches short of a picnic, A couple of bricks short of a load
3. A couple of sandwiches short of a picnic
Meaning: Similar to “not the sharpest tool in the shed,” meaning someone who is not very smart.
In a Sentence: I think she’s a couple of sandwiches short of a picnic if she really believes that story.
Other Ways to Say: A few fries short of a Happy Meal, Not playing with a full deck
4. A few cards short of a full deck
Meaning: Refers to someone who is not very bright, or whose actions seem odd or nonsensical.
In a Sentence: He’s a few cards short of a full deck if he’s going to wear that outfit to a wedding.
Other Ways to Say: A few fries short of a Happy Meal, Not all there
5. One taco short of a fiesta
Meaning: Someone who is a little off or lacking common sense.
In a Sentence: He’s one taco short of a fiesta if he thinks that idea is going to work.
Other Ways to Say: Not the sharpest tool in the shed, A few fries short of a Happy Meal
6. Not playing with a full deck
Meaning: Someone who is mentally unstable, not thinking clearly, or not very bright.
In a Sentence: She’s not playing with a full deck if she thinks that will be a good investment.
Other Ways to Say: A few cards short of a full deck, A couple of sandwiches short of a picnic
7. A few peas short of a pod
Meaning: Describes someone who is a little bit out of touch or not quite all there mentally.
In a Sentence: I think he’s a few peas short of a pod if he believes that conspiracy theory.
Other Ways to Say: Not the sharpest tool in the shed, A couple of sandwiches short of a picnic
8. The lights are on, but nobody’s home
Meaning: A way of saying that someone may appear to be present but is mentally absent or slow-witted.
In a Sentence: He was staring at the screen, but the lights are on, but nobody’s home.
Other Ways to Say: Not playing with a full deck, A few fries short of a Happy Meal
9. The elevator doesn’t go all the way to the top
Meaning: Refers to someone whose intelligence is below average.
In a Sentence: I’m not sure he understands the concept, because the elevator doesn’t go all the way to the top.
Other Ways to Say: Not the sharpest tool in the shed, A few sandwiches short of a picnic
10. A few apples short of a barrel
Meaning: Someone who is not entirely sensible or mentally capable.
In a Sentence: I wouldn’t ask him to make any important decisions, he’s a few apples short of a barrel.
Other Ways to Say: A few fries short of a Happy Meal, Not playing with a full deck
11. Not the brightest bulb in the box
Meaning: A playful way to say someone is not very bright.
In a Sentence: He’s not the brightest bulb in the box if he didn’t understand that simple joke.
Other Ways to Say: Not the sharpest tool in the shed, A few fries short of a Happy Meal
12. A few screws loose
Meaning: Someone who is a little crazy or doesn’t think things through properly.
In a Sentence: She’s got a few screws loose if she thinks we can finish this project in one night.
Other Ways to Say: Not playing with a full deck, A few fries short of a Happy Meal
13. A sandwich short of a picnic
Meaning: Similar to “not the sharpest tool in the shed,” meaning someone is not very intelligent.
In a Sentence: Don’t expect him to finish the assignment on time; he’s a sandwich short of a picnic.
Other Ways to Say: A few fries short of a Happy Meal, A couple of sandwiches short of a picnic
14. A few marbles short of a full bag
Meaning: Someone who is not mentally complete or not thinking logically.
In a Sentence: He’s a few marbles short of a full bag if he thinks that’s a good idea.
Other Ways to Say: Not the sharpest tool in the shed, A few fries short of a Happy Meal
15. A brick short of a load
Meaning: Describes someone who is not quite all there mentally.
In a Sentence: I think he’s a brick short of a load if he thinks we’re going to agree to that deal.
Other Ways to Say: A few cards short of a full deck, Not playing with a full deck
16. Missing a few links in the chain
Meaning: Refers to someone who is lacking critical intelligence or logical thinking.
In a Sentence: She’s missing a few links in the chain if she didn’t catch that joke.
Other Ways to Say: Not the sharpest tool in the shed, A few fries short of a Happy Meal
17. The lights are out
Meaning: Refers to someone who is mentally absent or slow-witted.
In a Sentence: It’s like the lights are out when he tries to explain the new idea.
Other Ways to Say: Not playing with a full deck, A few fries short of a Happy Meal
18. A few sheets to the wind
Meaning: Someone who is a little crazy or not fully in control of their senses.
In a Sentence: After hearing that ridiculous theory, I think he’s a few sheets to the wind.
Other Ways to Say: Not the sharpest tool in the shed, A few fries short of a Happy Meal
19. A few bolts loose
Meaning: Describes someone who is not thinking straight or behaving unusually.
In a Sentence: He’s got a few bolts loose if he thinks that’s a good plan.
Other Ways to Say: Not playing with a full deck, A few fries short of a Happy Meal
20. A few fries short of a Happy Meal
Meaning: A humorous way to say someone isn’t very bright.
In a Sentence: She’s a few fries short of a Happy Meal if she believes that silly rumor.
Other Ways to Say: Not the sharpest tool in the shed, A few cards short of a full deck
21. Not the sharpest knife in the drawer
Meaning: Someone who lacks intelligence or common sense.
In a Sentence: He’s not the sharpest knife in the drawer when it comes to solving problems.
Other Ways to Say: Not the sharpest tool in the shed, A few fries short of a Happy Meal
22. A few leaves short of a tree
Meaning: Refers to someone who is mentally slow or a little “off.”
In a Sentence: I think he’s a few leaves short of a tree if he believes that story.
Other Ways to Say: A few sandwiches short of a picnic, A few fries short of a Happy Meal
23. A few wires crossed
Meaning: Someone who is confused or mentally disorganized.
In a Sentence: She must have a few wires crossed if she thinks we have time to do that.
Other Ways to Say: Not playing with a full deck, A few fries short of a Happy Meal
24. A few cards shy of a full deck
Meaning: Refers to someone who isn’t entirely mentally sound or is acting foolish.
In a Sentence: He’s a few cards shy of a full deck if he’s still trying to convince us that idea works.
Other Ways to Say: Not the sharpest tool in the shed, A few fries short of a Happy Meal
25. All the brains of a cabbage
Meaning: A playful way to say someone is not very smart.
In a Sentence: I’m not sure why he thought that idea would work—he has all the brains of a cabbage!
Other Ways to Say: Not the sharpest tool in the shed, Not playing with a full deck
26. A few screws loose in the head
Meaning: Describes someone who is mentally unbalanced or not very intelligent.
In a Sentence: He must have a few screws loose in the head if he thinks that idea will fly.
Other Ways to Say: Not the sharpest tool in the shed, A few fries short of a Happy Meal
27. Not the sharpest crayon in the box
Meaning: Another way to describe someone who isn’t very bright.
In a Sentence: I’m not surprised he missed the answer; he’s not the sharpest crayon in the box.
Other Ways to Say: A few fries short of a Happy Meal, Not playing with a full deck
28. A few flowers short of a bouquet
Meaning: Describes someone who lacks intelligence or common sense.
In a Sentence: She’s a few flowers short of a bouquet if she thinks I’ll believe that story.
Other Ways to Say: Not the sharpest tool in the shed, A few fries short of a Happy Meal
29. A few pounds short of a ton
Meaning: Refers to someone who is mentally deficient or has an illogical idea.
In a Sentence: He’s a few pounds short of a ton if he believes that’s how it works.
Other Ways to Say: Not the sharpest tool in the shed, A few fries short of a Happy Meal
30. The lights are on, but nobody’s home
Meaning: Refers to someone who appears to be present but is mentally absent or slow-witted.
In a Sentence: He’s in the room, but the lights are on, but nobody’s home when it comes to the discussion.
Other Ways to Say: A few fries short of a Happy Meal, Not playing with a full deck
31. A few beans short of a burrito
Meaning: Refers to someone who is acting silly or not thinking clearly.
In a Sentence: I think he’s a few beans short of a burrito if he’s still trying to convince me.
Other Ways to Say: Not the sharpest tool in the shed, A few fries short of a Happy Meal
32. A few screws short of a toolbox
Meaning: Describes someone who is mentally unstable or not thinking properly.
In a Sentence: He’s a few screws short of a toolbox if he thinks that idea will work.
Other Ways to Say: Not playing with a full deck, A few fries short of a Happy Meal
33. Not the brightest star in the sky
Meaning: Someone who is not particularly intelligent or perceptive.
In a Sentence: He’s not the brightest star in the sky when it comes to problem-solving.
Other Ways to Say: A few fries short of a Happy Meal, Not the sharpest tool in the shed
34. A few fish short of a school
Meaning: Refers to someone who is not very sharp or mentally absent.
In a Sentence: I think he’s a few fish short of a school if he doesn’t understand that simple explanation.
Other Ways to Say: Not the sharpest tool in the shed, A few fries short of a Happy Meal
35. Not the brightest bulb in the chandelier
Meaning: Refers to someone who is not very intelligent.
In a Sentence: He’s not the brightest bulb in the chandelier, but he’s always eager to help.
Other Ways to Say: A few fries short of a Happy Meal, Not the sharpest tool in the shed
36. A few threads short of a sweater
Meaning: Describes someone who is a bit off or lacking in intelligence.
In a Sentence: She’s a few threads short of a sweater if she thinks that idea will work.
Other Ways to Say: Not the sharpest tool in the shed, A few fries short of a Happy Meal
37. A few pieces missing from the puzzle
Meaning: Refers to someone who isn’t mentally complete or fully understanding things.
In a Sentence: He’s a few pieces missing from the puzzle if he thinks that’s the solution.
Other Ways to Say: Not playing with a full deck, A few fries short of a Happy Meal
38. A couple of eggs short of an omelet
Meaning: Refers to someone who is a little lacking in mental capacity.
In a Sentence: I think she’s a couple of eggs short of an omelet if she can’t figure that out.
Other Ways to Say: Not the sharpest tool in the shed, A few fries short of a Happy Meal
39. A few bricks short of a wall
Meaning: Someone who is not very mentally sharp or logical.
In a Sentence: He’s a few bricks short of a wall if he doesn’t understand what’s going on.
Other Ways to Say: Not playing with a full deck, A few fries short of a Happy Meal
40. A few gears missing in the machine
Meaning: Describes someone who is not functioning at full mental capacity.
In a Sentence: I think he’s got a few gears missing in the machine if he doesn’t get it.
Other Ways to Say: Not the sharpest tool in the shed, A few fries short of a Happy Meal
41. A couple of raisins short of a fruitcake
Meaning: Refers to someone who is a little bit off or not mentally sharp.
In a Sentence: I think she’s a couple of raisins short of a fruitcake if she keeps doing that.
Other Ways to Say: Not the sharpest tool in the shed, A few fries short of a Happy Meal
42. A few laces short of a sneaker
Meaning: Refers to someone who is not entirely together or lacking in intelligence.
In a Sentence: He’s a few laces short of a sneaker if he thinks that plan will succeed.
Other Ways to Say: Not the sharpest tool in the shed, A few fries short of a Happy Meal
43. A few pages missing from the book
Meaning: Describes someone who is not mentally complete or coherent.
In a Sentence: I think she’s a few pages missing from the book if she’s not understanding the lesson.
Other Ways to Say: Not playing with a full deck, A few fries short of a Happy Meal
44. A few notes off-key
Meaning: Refers to someone who is not thinking clearly or is mentally scattered.
In a Sentence: He’s a few notes off-key if he thinks that’s a good argument.
Other Ways to Say: Not the sharpest tool in the shed, A few fries short of a Happy Meal
45. A few planks short of a deck
Meaning: Describes someone who is mentally lacking or confused.
In a Sentence: She’s a few planks short of a deck if she believes that theory.
Other Ways to Say: Not playing with a full deck, A few fries short of a Happy Meal
46. A few wheels off the track
Meaning: Refers to someone who is mentally off-balance or unstable.
In a Sentence: He’s a few wheels off the track if he’s still pushing that idea.
Other Ways to Say: Not the sharpest tool in the shed, A few fries short of a Happy Meal
47. A few splinters in the wood
Meaning: Describes someone who is mentally not quite all there.
In a Sentence: I think he’s a few splinters in the wood if he didn’t catch that mistake.
Other Ways to Say: Not the sharpest tool in the shed, A few fries short of a Happy Meal
48. A few holes in the doughnut
Meaning: Someone who is mentally missing pieces or not very bright.
In a Sentence: I’m not sure he’s following the plan; he’s a few holes in the doughnut.
Other Ways to Say: Not playing with a full deck, A few fries short of a Happy Meal
49. A few nuts short of a squirrel
Meaning: Describes someone who is mentally scattered or acting a little silly.
In a Sentence: She’s a few nuts short of a squirrel if she thinks we can finish this in one day.
Other Ways to Say: Not the sharpest tool in the shed, A few fries short of a Happy Meal
50. A few marbles short of the bag
Meaning: Someone who is mentally not all there.
In a Sentence: He’s a few marbles short of the bag if he’s still talking about that theory.
Other Ways to Say: Not playing with a full deck, A few fries short of a Happy Meal
51. The lights are on, but nobody’s home
Meaning: Refers to someone who is present but mentally absent or slow-witted.
In a Sentence: He’s staring at the screen, but the lights are on, but nobody’s home.
Other Ways to Say: A few fries short of a Happy Meal, Not playing with a full deck
52. Not the brightest star in the sky
Meaning: Someone who is not very intelligent.
In a Sentence: He’s not the brightest star in the sky when it comes to solving problems.
Other Ways to Say: A few fries short of a Happy Meal, Not the sharpest tool in the shed
53. A few marbles short of a full bag
Meaning: Describes someone who is mentally missing pieces.
In a Sentence: He’s a few marbles short of a full bag if he thinks that’s a good idea.
Other Ways to Say: Not the sharpest tool in the shed, A few fries short of a Happy Meal
54. A few tracks short of a train
Meaning: Refers to someone who is mentally scattered or confused.
In a Sentence: He’s a few tracks short of a train if he’s still arguing about that.
Other Ways to Say: Not playing with a full deck, A few fries short of a Happy Meal
55. A few pennies short of a dollar
Meaning: Describes someone who is mentally lacking or not fully there.
In a Sentence: I think she’s a few pennies short of a dollar if she thinks that theory is correct.
Other Ways to Say: Not the sharpest tool in the shed, A few fries short of a Happy Meal
56. A few blocks short of a street
Meaning: Someone who is not mentally complete or is acting irrationally.
In a Sentence: He’s a few blocks short of a street if he thinks that idea is good.
Other Ways to Say: Not playing with a full deck, A few fries short of a Happy Meal
57. A few bricks shy of a wall
Meaning: Refers to someone who isn’t mentally sharp or doesn’t understand something fully.
In a Sentence: He’s a few bricks shy of a wall if he still doesn’t get the concept.
Other Ways to Say: Not the sharpest tool in the shed, A few fries short of a Happy Meal
Practical Exercise
Fill in the blanks with the appropriate idiom from the list above:
- He wasn’t able to solve the problem right away, but with a little help, he finally understood—he was a few _______ of a full deck.
- Don’t worry about the mistake; it’s no big deal—_______ over spilled milk.
- After hearing that crazy idea, I think she’s a few _______ short of a burrito.
- I tried to explain it to him, but it was like the lights were on, but _______ home.
- She thought she could finish the assignment in one hour, but she was a few _______ short of a picnic.
- I don’t know why he thinks that’s a good idea; he’s a _______ short of a Happy Meal.
- After failing the test again, he promised he wouldn’t _______ the towel and would keep studying harder.
- We’ll need to _______ the ground running if we want to finish this project on time.
- I think she’s a few _______ short of a school if she believes that’s true.
- Don’t make a _______ out of a molehill—it’s really not that big of a deal.
Answers:
- cards short
- cry
- beans
- nobody’s
- sandwiches
- fries
- throw in
- hit
- fish
- mountain
Conclusion
Idioms are a fun and useful way to enhance our language and express ideas creatively. These 57 idioms for “stupid” offer a humorous and relatable way to talk about someone who may not be mentally sharp. The next time you want to describe someone acting a little off, you can choose from one of these expressions to bring some fun into the conversation.
Remember, idioms help make language more interesting, so don’t be afraid to use them in everyday situations!