What does “For the birds” mean?
"For the birds" means that something is meaningless or not worth paying attention to.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I don't care about his opinion, it's for the birds.
Example
Her excuses are always for the birds, I don't believe them.
Example
The rumors going around are for the birds, they're not true
Is “For the birds” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“For the birds” 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 “For the birds” effectively in context?
You can use "For the birds" to express that something is meaningless or not worth paying attention to. It implies that the thing being referred to is insignificant or unimportant. For example, if someone shares an opinion that you don't value, you might say, 'His opinion is for the birds, I don't care about it.'
- 1Opinions
I don't care about his opinion, it's for the birds.
- 2Excuses
Her excuses are always for the birds, I don't believe them.
- 3Rumors
The rumors going around are for the birds, they're not true.
Similar phrases to “For the birds”:
Empty words
Meaningless or insincere statements
Example
The promises he made were just empty words, they meant nothing.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “For the birds” come from?
The origin of the phrase "For the birds" is unknown.
Is “For the birds” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "For the birds" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to dismiss or disregard something as unimportant or insignificant.
What tone does “For the birds” have?
"For the birds" conveys a tone of dismissal or indifference. It suggests that the thing being referred to is not worth one's attention or consideration.
Can “For the birds” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "For the birds" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of something being meaningless or unimportant. You can use it in casual conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'His excuses are always for the birds, I don't believe them.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'That's just "for the birds"!' to express disregard for something.
