Idiom
daft as a brush
Meanings
Very silly or foolish, often in a harmless or amusing way.
Definition
“Daft as a brush” means very silly or foolish, often in an amusing way.
If someone is “daft as a brush,” they behave in a very silly or foolish way. It is usually informal and often said with affection rather than strong criticism. In British English, it can describe someone who does harmless, ridiculous things or makes obviously silly comments.
Examples
- He’s daft as a brush, but he always makes us laugh.
- I was daft as a brush to leave my keys in the fridge again.
- Don’t mind her—she’s daft as a brush when she’s excited.
- That idea’s daft as a brush, but it might just work.
Common mistake
Learners often use it to mean “crazy/mentally ill,” but it usually means “silly” and is often affectionate.
More at B2 level
- Bob's your uncle Used to say that something will be easy or will happen exactly as expected after a simple step.
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share updates, confirm plans, or check progress.
- ballpark figure A ballpark figure is an approximate number or estimate, not an exact one.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to mock someone or tease them in an unkind or cheeky way.
- cheap as chips Very cheap; costing very little money.
More idiom (adjective phrase)s
- cheap as chips Very cheap; costing very little money.
- chuffed to bits Very pleased and proud about something.
- easy as pie Used to say that something is very easy to do or understand.
- right as rain Completely well again, or in perfect condition.
- thick as two short planks Extremely stupid or slow to understand.