sober as a judge
Entirely without intoxication
Sober as a judge describes complete sobriety or serious composure.
The phrase invokes the expectation that judges remain clearheaded and dignified on the bench.
It usually emphasizes that someone is not drunk: He swore he was sober as a judge, but he could barely walk straight.
The expression can also mean gravely serious in demeanor.
- temperateMild, avoiding extremes
- moderateLessen intensity or preside
- abstinentRefraining from pleasures
- on the wagonAbstaining from alcohol
- clear-headedAble to think rationally
alcohol-free · dry as a bone · abstemious · black robe · calm · teetotal · clear · sensible · composed · robe · bench · gavel · court of law · solemn · dead serious · levelheaded · straight as an arrow · unimpaired
sober as a judgedrunk as a lord
Extremely inebriated state
drunk as a skunk · three sheets to the wind · plastered · hammered · wasted
sober as a judgeout of control
Unable to be restrained
reckless · uninhibited · giddy · silly · boisterous
sober, soberly, sobriety, judge, judges, judged, judging, judgment, judgement