Meaning:
The phrase not the sharpest tool in the shed means someone who is thought to be unintelligent in some way; slow to perceive or understand something.
Note: There is a similar expression with the same meaning as this one that goes “(he/she’s) not the brightest bulb in the box.”
Example: Ryan is not the sharpest tool in the shed when it comes to cars. He knows next to nothing about them!
1. Not the brightest bulb in the box
2. Not the sharpest knife in the drawer
The Origin Of ‘Not The Sharpest Tool In The Shed’
Some tools are sharp, which means they have edges that are good for cutting. For example, a sharp knife is useful for slicing foods, a handsaw is great for cutting through wood, and a razor is excellent for removing hair. It is easy to understand how the word “sharp” applies to tools.
However, when this word is used in relation to humans, it has another definition. If someone is described as being “sharp,” that can mean they’re a “quick-thinker,” or in other words, they are quick to learn and understand things. So this expression is basically saying that someone is not sharp. In other words, if someone is “not be the sharpest tool in the shed,” it means they are slow to perceive things, or they lack knowledge on a certain subject.
Anyways, how long have people been using this saying? Not long; it looks like this metaphor originated fairly recently. Why is that? Because the earliest I could find it in print is from the Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph newspaper, July 1994:
“Critics said that Cliburn was an intuitive artist, and that once his intuition was exhausted, he had little else to say about a piece — which was a fancy way of saying that Cliburn wasn’t the sharpest tool in the shed.”
I’m unable to find the term from an earlier date than the quote above. This could suggest that the expression originated sometime during the late 20th century.
Tip: For more sayings like this, we have a list of English phrases starting with “N”. Find common expressions that people say.
Sentence Examples
- If we’re talking about cooking, Rob is not exactly the sharpest tool in the shed. While his meals are basic most of the time, he still manages to make them taste good.
- My orange cat isn’t the sharpest tool in the shed, but that’s okay, he’s still adorable!
Similar Example:
- When I’m in math class, I’m not the brightest bulb in the box, but I try my best to understand.
