There's no fool like an old fool Meaning in English

expression

US

THAIRZ NOH FOOL LIKE AN /UHN/ OHLD FOOL

UK

THAIRZ NOH FOOL LIKE UN OHLD FOOL

Definition

This saying means that when older people act foolishly, it seems even worse or more embarrassing than when young people make mistakes. It suggests that age should bring wisdom, but sometimes it does not.

Usage & Nuances

This is an ironic, slightly humorous expression, typically used when talking about an older person who acts foolishly or falls for something they should have known better about. It can sound critical, so use with care and usually only in informal conversations.

• Spanish: no hay tonto como un viejo tonto
• Portuguese (BR): não há tolo como um velho tolo
• Portuguese (PT): não há tolo como um velho tolo
• Chinese (Simplified): 年纪大的人如果犯傻，更加可笑
• Chinese (Traditional): 年紀大的人如果犯傻，更加可笑
• Hindi: बुज़ुर्ग मूर्ख सबसे बड़े मूर्ख होते हैं
• Arabic: لا أحمق مثل الأحمق العجوز
• Bengali: বয়স্ক বোকা সবচেয়ে বড় বোকা
• Russian: Старый дурак — самый большой дурак
• Japanese: 年寄りの愚か者ほど愚かな者はいない
• Vietnamese: Không ai dại như người già dại
• Korean: 늙은 바보만큼 큰 바보는 없다
• Turkish: İhtiyar budala gibisi yoktur
• Urdu: بوڑھا بے وقوف سب سے بڑا بے وقوف ہوتا ہے
• Indonesian: Tidak ada orang bodoh seperti orang tua yang bodoh

Example Sentences

There's no fool like an old fool when Grandpa buys useless gadgets online.

basic

People laughed and whispered, 'There's no fool like an old fool,' after Mr. Lee fell for another scam.

basic

Mom warned Dad, 'There's no fool like an old fool,' when he trusted the telemarketer.

basic

You'd think he'd know better by now, but there's no fool like an old fool.

natural

After all those years, he still falls for the same tricks—there's no fool like an old fool.

natural

My uncle left his job for a get-rich-quick scheme—there's no fool like an old fool, I guess.

natural