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Region: US | Usage example: He couldn’t find his backside with both hands when we asked him to set up the new printer.

Couldn't find his backside with both hands

Meaning

Totally incompetent or confused.

Usage

Dismisses people who repeatedly miss the obvious.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

American wry commentary on someone unable to complete simple tasks.

Used in US humor columns and roundtable talk in the early 1900s.

Related Idioms

Caught with your pants down

Surprised while unprepared.

Doesn't know his backside from a tomato can

Completely clueless about a subject.

Best of both worlds

Enjoying two desirable but usually incompatible things.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.