Not suffer fools gladly

usgb
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.
Visual representation of "not suffer fools gladly" - To have no patience with people who are unintelligent or ignorant

Often appears as...

  • does not suffer fools gladly
  • will not suffer fools gladly

Usage tips

Formal, Disapproving

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "not suffer fools gladly"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Formality Level

The phrase carries a formal tone, often used in professional or educational settings.

Illustration for Formality Level
In the board meeting, the CEO made it clear he does not suffer fools gladly.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Criticism Warning

Using this phrase can sound harsh; it may imply criticism of others' intelligence.

Illustration for Criticism Warning
She doesn't suffer fools gladly, which can sometimes offend her colleagues.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Emotional Tone

Expresses impatience or irritation, not just a lack of patience.

Illustration for Emotional Tone
He quickly lost his temper, clearly unable to suffer fools gladly.
Visual representation of the word "Not suffer fools gladly"

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