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Region: General | Usage example: He moved through the gallery like a bull in a china shop.

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

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Evokes a large bull among fragile dishes.

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

Related Idioms

Feel like a million dollars

Feel extremely well.

Take the bull by the horns

Confront a problem directly.

Tell it like it is

Speak honestly even when it is uncomfortable.

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.