For the birds Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈfɔɹ/, /fɝ/, /fɹɝ/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈbɝdz

FOR-thuh-BURDZ

UK

fˈɔː/ /ðə, ði/ /bˈɜːdz

faw-THE-BURDZ

Definition

An informal expression meaning something is useless, unimportant, or a waste of time.

Usage & Nuances

Informal and mostly American English; rarely used in British English. Appears in negative opinions about things that seem worthless or unimportant. Not literal—never about actual birds.

• Spanish: una tontería - inútil - sin valor
• Portuguese (BR): uma bobagem - algo inútil
• Portuguese (PT): uma parvoíce - sem importância
• Chinese (Simplified): 没意义 - 毫无价值
• Chinese (Traditional): 沒意義 - 毫無價值
• Hindi: बेकार - महत्वहीन
• Arabic: عديم الفائدة - لا قيمة له
• Bengali: অর্থহীন - মূল্যহীন
• Russian: фигня - ерунда - бесполезно
• Japanese: くだらない - 無価値
• Vietnamese: vô nghĩa - không có giá trị
• Korean: 쓸모없는 것 - 시시한 것
• Turkish: saçma - önemsiz
• Urdu: فضول - بے وقعت
• Indonesian: ngớ ngẩn - vô giá trị

Example Sentences

This rule is for the birds.

basic

I think meetings like this are for the birds.

basic

Homework over the weekend is for the birds.

basic

Don’t waste your time on that—it's for the birds.

natural

Honestly, most TV commercials are for the birds.

natural

Waking up before sunrise on weekends? That’s for the birds!

natural