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# not the sharpest tool in the shed

idiom (noun phrase used after «be»: not the sharpest tool in the shed)

«not the sharpest tool in the shed» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

(euphemism, humorous) not very clever.

### In the lessons

Used jokingly to call someone not clever, a pun on «sharp». Humorous register, all English-speaking countries.

### Examples

- He's not the sharpest tool in the shed, but he's loyal.
- Let's be honest, I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed at spelling.
- The burglar wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed — he fell asleep on the sofa.
- Our new puppy isn't the sharpest tool in the shed.
- «Not the sharpest tool in the shed» is a nice way of saying «dim».
- He's not the sharpest tool in the shed, but he's the best goalkeeper we've got.

### Note

It is not about real tools or sheds. Still an insult. Plain words: not clever, stupid, dim.