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UKbats in the belfry
/bˈats ɪnðə bˈɛlfɹi/
/bˈæts ɪnðə bˈɛlfɹi/bats in the belfry
[PHRASE]
What is the origin of the idiom "bats in the belfry" and when to use it?
The idiom "bats in the belfry" originated in the United States in the late 19th century or early 20th century. It alludes to the image of bats roosting in the belfry (the tower of a church where bells are hung), which was often seen as an odd or crazy behavior for the bats. Over time, the idiom came to be used metaphorically to describe someone whose thoughts or behavior are considered eccentric, irrational, or mentally unstable.
Examples
1. I think he has bats in the belfry, as he believes in conspiracy theories and behaves oddly.
2. His erratic behavior and strange beliefs make some people believe he has bats in the belfry, leading to concerns about his mental state.
3. In the past, people used to think that individuals with eccentric behavior had bats in the belfry, attributing it to supernatural causes.
4. If she keeps coming up with unconventional ideas, people might think she has bats in the belfry, but sometimes innovation requires thinking outside the box.
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