Like a bull in a china shop

Meaning

Very clumsy in a delicate situation.

Usage

Describes someone acting carelessly where caution is required.

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.

Evokes a large bull among fragile dishes.

19th-century cartoons and stories about bulls destroying porcelain.