A brick short of a load, two sandwiches short of a picnic, etc.

phrase

To say someone is not very intelligent or is behaving in a strange way.

He's always been a few sandwiches short of a picnic.
Visual representation of "a brick short of a load, two sandwiches short of a picnic, etc." - To say someone is not very intelligent or is behaving in a strange way

Often appears as...

  • a few screws loose
  • not the sharpest tool in the shed

Usage tips

Informal

Colloquial

phrase

Missing something critical or not fully prepared.

You can't build a wall if you're a brick short of a load.
Visual representation of "a brick short of a load, two sandwiches short of a picnic, etc." - Missing something critical or not fully prepared

Often appears as...

  • a slice short of a loaf
  • a can short of a six pack

Usage tips

Informal

Colloquial

phrase

To say someone is not very intelligent or is behaving in a strange way.

He's always been a few sandwiches short of a picnic.
Visual representation of "a brick short of a load, two sandwiches short of a picnic, etc." - To say someone is not very intelligent or is behaving in a strange way

Often appears as...

  • a few screws loose
  • not the sharpest tool in the shed

Usage tips

Informal

Colloquial

phrase

Missing something critical or not fully prepared.

You can't build a wall if you're a brick short of a load.
Visual representation of "a brick short of a load, two sandwiches short of a picnic, etc." - Missing something critical or not fully prepared

Often appears as...

  • a slice short of a loaf
  • a can short of a six pack

Usage tips

Informal

Colloquial

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "a brick short of a load, two sandwiches short of a picnic, etc."
LampPro Tip 1/3

Playful Insult

Often used humorously among friends as a light-hearted jab, not to be taken seriously.

Illustration for Playful Insult
When she forgot the punchline, I teased her for being two sandwiches short of a picnic.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Avoid Offense

Be cautious using it to avoid offending someone, as it can be seen as a rude remark about intelligence.

Illustration for Avoid Offense
He didn't realize saying she was a few screws loose in front of everyone would upset her.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Literal

It doesn't literally refer to missing items, but suggests someone is behaving unusually.

Illustration for Not Literal
Aunt May said the neighbor must be a few fries short of a Happy Meal.
Visual representation of the word "A brick short of a load, two sandwiches short of a picnic, etc."

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