not the sharpest tool in the box
Lacking in intelligence
Not very intelligent or quick-witted.
The phrase compares mental acuity to blade sharpness—a dull tool works poorly, and a dull person thinks slowly.
Usually said of someone else, often with gentle humor rather than harsh criticism: He's a sweet guy, but not the sharpest tool in the box.
Variants include *not the brightest bulb* and *not the sharpest knife in the drawer*.
- not the brightest bulbLacking intelligence or wit
- stupidLacking intelligence or judgment
- slow-wittedLacking mental quickness
- dullLacking edge or interest
- obtuseLacking mental sharpness
sharp as a marble · muddle-headed · idiocy · simple · dim bulb · lights are on but nobody's home · thick-headed · brainless · dense · dumb as a post · blockhead · ditzy · foolish · clueless · airheaded · dim · simple-minded · feeble-minded
not the sharpest tool in the boxbrilliant
Intensely bright or gifted
genius · sharp as a tack · bright · razor-sharp · whip-smart
sharper, sharpest, sharply, sharpness, sharpen, sharpened, sharpening, sharpener, tooled