Welcome to our fun exploration of the word “fool” in English idioms! Idioms are phrases that have a meaning different from the words in them. Today, we’re going to learn about different ways people use the word “fool” in everyday conversations. These phrases are easy to understand and can be used by anyone, including kids!
Fool Idioms
Here are 20 fool idioms in English.
1. Play the fool
Meaning: Act silly or pretend ignorance.
Example: He likes to play the fool in class.
2. Fool’s paradise
Meaning: A state of happiness based on false beliefs.
Example: Believing he’ll win the lottery, he lives in a fool’s paradise.
3. Fool’s errand
Meaning: A pointless endeavor.
Example: Fetching coffee for the boss is a fool’s errand.
4. A fool and his money are soon parted
Meaning: Foolish people spend money quickly.
Example: He bought a useless gadget, proving a fool and his money are soon parted.
5. Make a fool of oneself
Meaning: To embarrass oneself.
Example: I made a fool of myself at the party.
6. Fool’s gold
Meaning: Something that looks valuable but isn’t.
Example: His investment turned out to be fool’s gold.
7. Nobody’s fool
Meaning: A person who is not easily deceived.
Example: She’s nobody’s fool; she knew the deal was bad.
8. More fool you
Meaning: You are foolish for doing that.
Example: You missed the meeting? More fool you.
9. Fool around
Meaning: To waste time or act aimlessly.
Example: Stop fooling around and do your homework.
10. Old fool
Meaning: An older person acting foolishly.
Example: He’s an old fool for buying that car.
11. Young fool
Meaning: A young person who acts thoughtlessly.
Example: The young fool raced his bike on the icy street.
12. Be nobody’s fool
Meaning: To not be easily tricked.
Example: He’s sharp; he’s nobody’s fool.
13. Fool’s hope
Meaning: A very slim chance.
Example: Winning the lottery is a fool’s hope.
14. April fool
Meaning: Someone tricked on April Fool’s Day.
Example: I became the April fool with that prank.
15. Act the fool
Meaning: To behave in a foolish way.
Example: Don’t act the fool during the meeting.
16. Play for a fool
Meaning: To treat someone as if they are foolish.
Example: I won’t let you play me for a fool.
17. Every man for himself, and the Devil take the hindmost
Meaning: Selfish attitude in chaos.
Example: At the sale, it was every man for himself.
18. Fool’s mate
Meaning: A quick, foolish loss in chess.
Example: He lost the game by a fool’s mate.
19. Send on a fool’s errand
Meaning: To send someone to do a pointless task.
Example: He was sent on a fool’s errand to find a left-handed screwdriver.
20. Suffer fools gladly
Meaning: To tolerate foolish people patiently.
Example: She does not suffer fools gladly at work.
