thick as a brick
Meaning: Very stupid.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Example: “He's charming enough, but when it comes to directions he's thick as a brick.”
Category: The Absurd
Origin: British slang built on "thick" meaning dull-witted, one of several comparisons like "thick as two short planks." It was popularized by Jethro Tull's 1972 album of that name.
Equivalents in other languages
- French: Bouché à l'émeri — literally: Stoppered with emery
More idioms — The Absurd
- the die is cast — A decision has been made and cannot be undone.
- sell one's soul to the devil — To give up one's principles in exchange for money, power or success.
- a Tower of Babel — A noisy scene where many people speak different languages, or a confusion of voices.
- like rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic — Doing something pointless while a disaster happens.
- come down on someone like a ton of bricks — To criticize or punish someone very severely.
- it doesn't take a rocket scientist — Something is easy to understand; no special intelligence is needed.
More English idioms
- shed light on — To help explain something or make it clearer.
- pull an all-nighter — To stay up all night, usually to study or work.
- the gospel truth — Something absolutely true.
- laugh one's head off — To laugh very loudly and for a long time.
- blow a gale — Of the wind: to blow extremely hard.
- sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me — Insults cannot really harm you, so they are best ignored.
From our compliments & insults
- Sei in gamba — You're sharp, capable, and on the ball.
- Sei un tesoro — You're a darling — precious to have around.
- Du bist ein Schatz — You're a sweetheart.