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(as) dumb as a coal bucket
01
extremely unintelligent or lacking in common sense
Humorous
Idiom
InformalWhat is the origin of the idiom "dumb as a coal bucket" and when to use it?
The exact origin of the phrase "dumb as a coal bucket" is unclear. It is likely a variation or adaptation of the more commonly known phrase "dumb as a box of rocks," which has been in use since at least the mid-20th century. Both phrases share the same meaning, implying a lack of intelligence or mental acuity. This phrase is primarily used in informal or colloquial contexts and is not considered a widely recognized idiom.
Examples
Do n't bother asking her for help with math. She's about as dumb as a coal bucket when it comes to numbers.
He could n't figure out how to operate the simplest machinery. Honestly, he's as dumb as a coal bucket.
