One brick short of a full load Meaning in English

expression

US

WUN BRIK SHORT uhv uh FULL LOHD

UK

WON-brik SHAWT ov ay FULL LOHD

Definition

This expression humorously describes someone as not very smart, or slightly crazy. It suggests the person is missing something mentally.

Usage & Nuances

Very informal, often used in a joking or teasing way. Means someone isn’t very clever or is a bit crazy. Other similar English expressions: 'not the sharpest tool in the shed', 'a few fries short of a Happy Meal'. Rarely used about oneself.

• Spanish: no le llega el agua al tinaco - le falta un tornillo - no está bien de la cabeza
• Portuguese (BR): não bate muito bem da cabeça - meio pancada - falta um parafuso
• Portuguese (PT): não bate bem da cabeça - falta-lhe um parafuso
• Chinese (Simplified): 脑子有点问题 - 傻傻的
• Chinese (Traditional): 腦子有點問題 - 傻傻的
• Hindi: दिमाग़ थोड़ा कम है - पागल सा
• Arabic: ليس بكامل قواه العقلية - ناقص عقل
• Bengali: বুদ্ধিতে একটু কম আছে - মাথা ঠিক নেই
• Russian: не в своем уме - не все дома
• Japanese: ちょっと抜けている - 頭が少し変
• Vietnamese: không được bình thường lắm - hơi ngớ ngẩn
• Korean: 정신이 좀 나간 - 덜 떨어진
• Turkish: akılsız - biraz kaçık
• Urdu: دماغ تھوڑا کمزور ہے - عقل کی کمی ہے
• Indonesian: agak kurang waras - tidak sepenuhnya normal

Example Sentences

Some say Jim is one brick short of a full load, but he means well.

basic

The teacher joked that Mike was one brick short of a full load when he forgot his homework again.

basic

Calling someone one brick short of a full load isn’t very polite.

basic

Trust me, after talking to him, I'm convinced he's one brick short of a full load.

natural

He’s funny, but sometimes I think he’s one brick short of a full load.

natural

Yeah, he's nice enough, but he's definitely one brick short of a full load when it comes to common sense.

natural