What does “Dumb as a post” mean?

"Dumb as a post" means someone who is extremely foolish or unintelligent.

What context can I use the in?

Example

He's dumb as a post and can't seem to understand simple instructions.

Example

I can't believe she fell for that scam, she's dumb as a post.

Example

The decision to invest in that company was dumb as a post and ended up costing them a lot of money

Is “Dumb as a post” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Dumb as a post” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Dumb as a post” effectively in context?

You can use "Dumb as a post" to describe someone who is extremely foolish or unintelligent. It emphasizes the lack of intelligence or common sense in a humorous or derogatory way. For example, if someone makes a silly mistake, you might say, 'He's dumb as a post and can't seem to understand simple instructions.'

1Describing Someone's Intelligence
I can't believe she fell for that scam, she's dumb as a post.
2Critiquing a Decision
The decision to invest in that company was dumb as a post and ended up costing them a lot of money.
3Expressing Frustration
He keeps making the same mistakes over and over again. He's dumb as a post!

Similar phrases to “Dumb as a post”:

Dense as a brick

Extremely slow to understand or lacking intelligence

Example

She's so dense as a brick that she couldn't solve a simple math problem.

Not the sharpest tool in the shed

Not very intelligent or quick-witted

Example

He's not the sharpest tool in the shed, but he's a hard worker.

A few fries short of a Happy Meal

Not very intelligent or mentally lacking

Example

I don't think he understood what I said. He's a few fries short of a Happy Meal.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Dumb as a post” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Dumb as a post" is unknown.

Is “Dumb as a post” common in everyday conversation?

"Dumb as a post" is a relatively common idiom in everyday conversation. However, it is important to note that it can be considered rude or offensive when used to directly insult someone's intelligence.

What tone does “Dumb as a post” have?

"Dumb as a post" conveys a tone of mockery or derision. It is often used humorously to poke fun at someone's lack of intelligence or common sense.

Can “Dumb as a post” be used in informal and formal settings?

"Dumb as a post" is an informal expression and is typically used in casual conversations among friends, family, or colleagues. It is not commonly used in formal or professional settings.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He's as dumb as a post and can't seem to understand simple instructions.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'He's "dumb as a post"!' to express frustration or disbelief.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

dim-witted
clueless
stupid as a rock
brain-dead
ignorant