English Idiom – A few sandwiches short of a picnic

Meaning – Unintelligent. The expression is used to describe a person who is stupid or displaying an obvious lack of intelligence.

  • This phrase is mildly offensive – nobody likes being told they are stupid – but it is usually used in a humorous way.
  • This is a British English idiom.

Similar Phrases for Unintelligent:

There are many similar phrases that can be used to display a lack of intelligence. Here are some of the most common or funniest ones:

  • A few bricks short of a load
  • A few cans short of a six-pack
  • A few cards short of a full deck
  • A few crumbs short of a biscuit
  • A few french fries short of a happy meal
  • A few trucks short of a convoy

Do you know any more?

Usage:

When could you use this idiom?

  • Somebody you know is being very stupid.
  • A person regularly makes really bad decisions.
  • A famous person has been caught doing something incredibly stupid – again.
  • Your friend is thinking about dating somebody who behaves in an unintelligent manner!
Example:
  • “This is the third time Mary has got lost in the supermarket. Last time she called the Old Bill. She is clearly a few sandwiches short of a picnic!”
In The News:
Discuss:
  • Is there an idiom like this in your country?
What is an idiom?

An idiom is a word or phrase that is not taken literally.  An idiom is an expression that cannot be understood from the meanings of its individual words, but has a separate meaning of its own.