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Can't hit the side of a barn Meaning in English

expression

KANT HIT thuh SIDE uh BARN
KAHNT HIT thuh SIDE ov BAHN

Definition

This humorous expression means that someone is extremely bad at aiming or hitting a target, especially in sports or activities like throwing or shooting.

Usage & Nuances

Informal and often humorous; mostly used to describe poor accuracy in throwing, shooting, or aiming (e.g., darts, basketball, archery, video games). Not for more general incompetence. Rare to use about serious failures.

Spanish: no puede acertar ni al lado de un graneroPortuguese (BR): não acerta nem o lado de um celeiroPortuguese (PT): não acerta nem ao lado de um celeiroChinese (Simplified): 射不中谷仓的侧面Chinese (Traditional): 連穀倉的牆都打不中Hindi: अचानक निशाना चूकना (मुहावरा – किसी चीज़ को बिल्कुल भी न साध पाना)Arabic: لا يستطيع إصابة جدار الحظيرةBengali: একেবারেই লক্ষ্যভেদ করতে পারে না - নিশানা একদম খারাপRussian: не попадает даже в стену сарая - стреляет очень мимоJapanese: 全く的に当たらない - ものすごく下手Vietnamese: ném cũng không trúng vách chuồng - nhắm tệKorean: 아무리 해도 맞히지 못하다 - 전혀 맞추지 못하다Turkish: bir türlü isabet ettiremiyor - hedefi hiç tutturamıyorUrdu: نشانہ بالکل نہیں لگا سکتا - بالکل بے نشانہIndonesian: nggak pernah kena sasaran - meleset terus

Example Sentences

He can't hit the side of a barn when he plays basketball.

basic

Even with lots of practice, she still can't hit the side of a barn.

basic

My brother can't hit the side of a barn with a soccer ball.

basic

Honestly, I can't hit the side of a barn with this old Nerf gun.

natural

Don't pick me for darts—I can't hit the side of a barn!

natural

He tries hard, but when it comes to throwing, he can't hit the side of a barn to save his life.

natural