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Idiom

daft as a brush

adjective phrase B2
/ˈdæft æz ə ˈbrʌʃ/

Meanings

adjective phrase

Very silly or behaving in a ridiculous, slightly crazy way (often joking or affectionate).

Visual cue for daft as a brush — meaning 1

Definition

Used to describe someone as very silly or slightly crazy in a humorous, not usually insulting way.

If someone is daft as a brush, they behave in a very silly, ridiculous, or slightly crazy way. It is usually said jokingly and can even sound affectionate, depending on tone and context. It is more common in British English than American English.

Examples

  • He’s daft as a brush if he thinks that plan will work.
  • You’re daft as a brush—stop trying to juggle those eggs!
  • My uncle is daft as a brush, but he always makes us laugh.
  • They said I was daft as a brush for going out in the rain without a coat.