The sharpest tool in the shed
the sharpest tool in the shed
/ðə ˈʃɑːrpɪst tuːl ɪn ðə ʃɛd/
Definition
Meaning: the sharpest tool in the shed is an idiomatic expression used to describe someone who is not very intelligent or quick-witted. It is often used humorously or sarcastically. It is usually used in the negative.
Signification: Pas le couteau le plus affûté du tiroir; Pas la lumière la plus brillante
Note: This phrase is commonly used in informal contexts to playfully tease someone about their lack of intelligence or awareness.
Word Analysis
French synonyms
» Pas le couteau le plus affûté du tiroir
» Pas la lumière la plus brillante
» Pas très futé
» Un peu lent à la détente
» Pas un génie
Exemple: "Il n'est pas le couteau le plus affûté du tiroir, mais il a bon cœur."
English synonyms
» Not the brightest bulb
» Not the sharpest knife in the drawer
» A few sandwiches short of a picnic
» Not playing with a full deck
» A few bricks shy of a load
Example: "He's a nice guy, but he's not the sharpest tool in the shed."
Example Dialogue
Lerato: "How's it going with the new project?" Puleng: "It's going well! We're making progress on it." Lerato: "That sounds exciting. How's it going with the team?" Puleng: "Everyone's working hard, though one of the new interns isn't exactly the sharpest tool in the shed." Lerato: "Oh no! I hope they will soon catch up." Puleng: "We're helping them along. Hopefully, they'll improve with time."
Etymology
Origin: The phrase "the sharpest tool in the shed" is an idiomatic expression that originated in English-speaking cultures, particularly in the United States, as a humorous or sarcastic way to describe someone who is not very intelligent or quick-witted. The phrase uses the metaphor of tools in a shed, where a "sharp tool" represents intelligence or cleverness, and being "not the sharpest tool" implies a lack thereof. It gained popularity in the late 20th century and is often used in informal or playful contexts.
Audience
The phrase "the sharpest tool in the shed" is commonly used in informal conversations to humorously or sarcastically comment on someone's intelligence or awareness.
When to use: Use "the sharpest tool in the shed" in casual or lighthearted settings, such as with friends or colleagues, to playfully tease someone about their lack of quick thinking or understanding. For example: "He's a great guy, but let's just say he's not the sharpest tool in the shed when it comes to solving puzzles."
Dictionary Meaning
The Free Dictionary says that it means "not intelligent; dim-witted or prone to stupidity." One of the examples given is: "His new boyfriend isn't the sharpest tool in the shed, but he's pretty good looking!."
News Snippet
"We’re here to hear what the main speaker, SA and ANC deputy president Kgalema Motlanthe, will say to the SACP after it has been widely reported that he has spent the last two weeks suggesting they weren’t the sharpest tool in the shed anymore. We want to see if he’ll do it again – this time to their faces."
Read the full article at The Daily Maverick
Extra! Extra!
For a fun and engaging exploration of our word of the day, how's it going?, watch the following…
Video Lesson One
Video Lesson Two
WordReference
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» English⇄French–Explore translations and linguistic nuances
» Synonyms⇄Antonyms–Contextual variations, etc.
Common Idioms and Expressions
Not the sharpest tool in the shed: A humorous or sarcastic way to describe sb who isn't very intelligent or quick‐witted.
Example: "He's a nice guy, but he's not the sharpest tool in the shed when it comes to solving puzzles."
Not the brightest bulb: Another playful way to say sb isn't very smart or aware.
Example: "She's fun to be around, but she's not the brightest bulb in the box."
A few sandwiches short of a picnic: A humorous idiom implying sb is lacking intelligence or common sense.
Example: "He's a great guy, but sometimes he seems a few sandwiches short of a picnic."
Not playing with a full deck: A phrase suggesting sb is missing some mental capacity or logic.
Example: "I think he's not playing with a full deck‐he keeps forgetting simple things."
A few bricks shy of a load: A lighthearted way to say someone isn't very smart or is a bit clueless.
Example: "She's sweet, but she's definitely a few bricks shy of a load."
Not the longest fry in the Happy Meal®: A U.S. way to indicate sb who isn't very bright.
Example: "She's sweet, but she's definitely a few bricks shy of a load."
The light is on, but nobody's home: A humorous or sarcastic way to describe sb who appears to be present but isn't mentally engaged or aware.
Example: "He just stood there staring blankly—looks like the light is on, but nobody's home."
Not the sharpest pencil in the cup: A playful way to describe sb who isn't very intelligent or quick‐witted.
Example: "He's a nice guy, but he's not the sharpest pencil in the cup when it comes to solving problems."
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