IdiomDaily Life
English
Englishcan't carry a tune in a bucket
Meaning: Sings very badly.
Example: “I love singing in the shower, but I can't carry a tune in a bucket.”
Origin: "Carry a tune" means to sing in key; the bucket adds comic exaggeration. American English from the 20th century.
Equivalents in other languages
French: Chanter comme une casserole Literally: To sing like a syringe / like a saucepan
More English idioms
- beat someone to a pulp To beat someone very severely.
- strong as an ox Very strong.
- a nasty piece of work An unpleasant, cruel or dishonest person.
- holy cow! An exclamation of surprise.
- good riddance Said when one is glad to be rid of someone or something.
- go through the wringer To go through a very hard experience.
Explore another collection: Compliments & Insults
Compliments and insults from around the world, from the sweet to the savage.
- Bête comme ses pieds Really not very bright.
- Avoir un poil dans la main To be incurably lazy.
- Tête de linotte A scatterbrain who can't hold a thought.
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