Some idioms are quite funny. These are expressions that, when taken literally, sound quite absurd, adding humor to our language. This list is just a starting point. There are tons of funny idioms out there. The humor often comes from the unexpected and often bizarre literal interpretation of the phrase. Enjoy using them to add a touch of humor to your conversations! To learn more about idioms, click here.
About people
A few sandwiches short of a picnic – Not very bright.
Example: Mark is a few sandwiches short of a picnic.
As sharp as a marble – Not intelligent.
Example: That dog is as sharp as a marble.
Barking up the wrong tree – Pursuing the wrong course of action or looking in the wrong place for something.
Example: If you think complaining to me will get you a better grade, you’re barking up the wrong tree. You need to talk to the professor.
Doesn’t have a leg to stand on – Lacking any valid argument or defense.
Example: The criminal charges are pretty serious and the case is pretty much shut and closed. He doesn’t have a leg to stand on.
Has a screw loose – A bit eccentric or crazy.
Example: The guy running down the road has a screw loose. He keeps seeing things that aren’t there.
Like a fish out of water – Uncomfortable or awkward in a new situation.
Example: I’m like a fish out of water at parties.
Lost his marbles – Gone crazy.
Example: He’s lost his marbles if he thinks that I’m going to pay that much money.
Not the brightest crayon in the box – Not very intelligent.
Example: Stephen isn’t the brightest crayon in the box. He used to eat glue.
One sandwich short of a picnic – A bit dim-witted.
Example: Whoever built this dangerous deck must have been one sandwich short of a picnic.
The lights are on, but nobody’s home – Present physically, but mentally absent.
Example: I’m pretty sure the lights are on, but nobody’s home.
Actions/situations
A hot potato: A controversial or difficult issue.
Example: Talking about politics here sure is a hot potato.
Barking up the wrong tree: Pursuing the wrong course of action.
Example: You’re barking up the wrong tree if you want to pick a fight with him.
Bring home the bacon: To earn money for the family.
Example: I’ll see you later. Someone has to bring home the bacon.
Bury the hatchet: To make peace.
Example: Let’s bury the hatchet. I don’t want to fight anymore.
Cat got your tongue?: Unable to speak, often due to shyness or awkwardness.
Example: What’s wrong? Cat got your tongue?
Couldn’t hit a barn door at ten paces: Extremely bad aim.
Example: You call that shooting? You couldn’t hit a barn door at ten paces.
Drive someone up the wall: To irritate or annoy someone greatly.
Example: You are driving me up the wall. Go outside and play.
Get your ducks in a row: To get organized.
Example: Our time is short. You had better get your ducks in a row.
Hit the nail on the head: To be exactly right.
Example: You really hit the nail on the head with that statement.
Let the cat out of the bag: To reveal a secret.
Example: Who let the cat out of the bag? This was supposed to be a secret.
Make a mountain out of a molehill: To exaggerate a problem.
Example: Don’t make a mountain out of a molehill. It was an accident, and we can easily buy a new pair of pants.
Paint the town red: To go out and have a good time.
Example: We’re going to paint the town red tonight. Are you ready for the party?
Pull someone’s leg: To tease or joke with someone.
Example: Stop pulling my leg. There is no way that aliens are real.
Spill the beans: To reveal a secret.
Example: Spill the beans, son. Who broke your mom’s dishes?
That’s the way the cookie crumbles: That’s just how things are.
Example: They lost the game, but that’s the way the cookie crumbles.
Throw in the towel: To give up.
Example: I’ve spent hours on this project and I’m getting nowhere. I’m ready to throw in the towel.
Animal Idioms (because they’re often funny)
Busy as a bee: Very busy.
Example: I’ve been busy as a bee today.
Eager beaver: Someone who is very enthusiastic and hardworking.
Example: He’s an eager beaver. I can always depend on him to finish the job correctly.
Raining cats and dogs: Raining very heavily.
Example: It’s raining cats and dogs. I’m soakin‘ wet.
Sick as a dog – Very ill.
Example: I was sick as a dog this morning.
Smells fishy: Seems suspicious.
Example: Something about his story smells fishy.
Wild goose chase: A pointless search.
Example: We have been looking for hours. I think we’ve been on a wild good chase.
Exaggerations (for comedic effect)
Cost an arm and a leg: Very expensive.
Example: This car cost me an arm and a leg.
I’m so hungry I could eat a horse: Very hungry.
