English Idiom – A few sandwiches short of a picnic.
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 always acts daft!
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!”
Learn More
Look it upFew sandwiches short of a picnicWiktionaryWhat 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not very intelligent or a bit silly. It is humorous British English and only mildly offensive.
“A few bricks short of a load” and “a few cards short of a full deck” mean the same thing.
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