thick as a brick
Profoundly dim-witted person
Thick as a brick describes someone extremely stupid or slow-witted.
Brick here evokes density and impermeability—nothing gets through.
The phrase is informal and often affectionate rather than cruel: He's thick as a brick, but I love him.
British English favors thick for stupid; Americans more often say dumb.
- not the sharpest tool in the boxLacking mental acuity
- not the brightest bulbLacking intelligence or wit
- stupidLacking intelligence or judgment
- dullLacking edge or interest
- foolishLacking good sense
lights are on but nobody's home · hard-headed · clueless · simple-minded · brainless · dense · slow on the uptake · blockheaded · dull-witted · slow-witted · British humor · dumb · satire · concept album · unintelligent · dim-witted · airheaded · obtuse
- Mind Idiomssharp mind, open mind, quick wit, bird brain, pea brain
thick as a brickbrilliant
Intensely bright or gifted
genius · intelligent · sharp as a tack · smart as a whip · smart
thick as a brickquick-witted
Fast at thinking
sharp-witted · witty · clever · quick on the draw · alert
thick as a brickquick-witted
Fast at thinking
sharp · quick on the uptake · razor-sharp · on the ball · shrewd
thick, thicken, thicker, thickest, thickly, thickness, thickening, brick, bricks