Not suffer fools gladly
phrase
To have no patience with people who are unintelligent or ignorant.
Our professor is brilliant, but he does not suffer fools gladly. He expects everybody to grasp the subject quickly.
Often appears as...
- does not suffer fools gladly
- will not suffer fools gladly
Usage tips
Formal, Disapproving
Idiomatic
phrase
To have no patience with people who are unintelligent or ignorant.
Our professor is brilliant, but he does not suffer fools gladly. He expects everybody to grasp the subject quickly.
Often appears as...
- does not suffer fools gladly
- will not suffer fools gladly
Usage tips
Formal, Disapproving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Formality Level
The phrase carries a formal tone, often used in professional or educational settings.
In the board meeting, the CEO made it clear he does not suffer fools gladly.
Pro Tip 2/3Criticism Warning
Using this phrase can sound harsh; it may imply criticism of others' intelligence.
She doesn't suffer fools gladly, which can sometimes offend her colleagues.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Tone
Expresses impatience or irritation, not just a lack of patience.
He quickly lost his temper, clearly unable to suffer fools gladly.
Pro Tip 1/3Formality Level
The phrase carries a formal tone, often used in professional or educational settings.
In the board meeting, the CEO made it clear he does not suffer fools gladly.
Pro Tip 2/3Criticism Warning
Using this phrase can sound harsh; it may imply criticism of others' intelligence.
She doesn't suffer fools gladly, which can sometimes offend her colleagues.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Tone
Expresses impatience or irritation, not just a lack of patience.
He quickly lost his temper, clearly unable to suffer fools gladly.
Pro Tip 1/3Formality Level
The phrase carries a formal tone, often used in professional or educational settings.
In the board meeting, the CEO made it clear he does not suffer fools gladly.
Pro Tip 2/3Criticism Warning
Using this phrase can sound harsh; it may imply criticism of others' intelligence.
She doesn't suffer fools gladly, which can sometimes offend her colleagues.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Tone
Expresses impatience or irritation, not just a lack of patience.
He quickly lost his temper, clearly unable to suffer fools gladly.
Never forget "Not suffer fools gladly"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension