Elly D. Posted 12 years ago
Vocabulary

The meaning of "clowns" in this context?

"I don't know why Tim quit his job at the RV repair place to work as a landscaping assistant. That is a serious pay cut. He's a few clowns short of a circus — if you ask me," Joe said to Barney.


I don't understand what "clowns" means in this case.

Thanx in advance!
Elly.
  

Top answer

Elly D. He's a few clowns short of a circus This is only one of many, many quips of the same kind, all of which mean he lacks brain power, he is not very smart. Here are some others, all with the same meaning.

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1 Answers
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Elly D.He's a few clowns short of a circus
This is only one of many, many quips of the same kind, all of which mean he lacks brain power, he is not very smart.

Here are some others, all with the same meaning.

a few bulbs short of a chandelier
a few sandwiches short of a picnic
a few bricks short of a full load