AEE 2334: What Do Crayons, Tools, and Chandeliers Have in Common?

Summary

All Ears English Podcast - Episode 2334 Summary

---

Title: What Do Crayons, Tools, and Chandeliers Have in Common?

Release Date: January 6, 2025

Hosts: Lindsay McMahon and Michelle Kaplan

---

Introduction

In Episode 2334 of the All Ears English Podcast, hosts Lindsay McMahon and Michelle Kaplan delve into the nuances of English idioms, specifically focusing on self-deprecating expressions that suggest a lack of intelligence. The episode is inspired by a listener question from Sylvia, who inquires about various English idioms used to playfully indicate someone isn't the brightest.

---

Listener Question: Understanding Self-Deprecating Idioms

Timestamp [02:51]
Michelle Kaplan:
"All right. So our listener Sylvia has asked... I have a question about an idiom. I'm not the brightest candle on the chandelier. I know there are variations, different variations of this expression. We use similar ones in German and Hungarian..."

Sylvia seeks to understand the different English variations of self-deprecating idioms that imply someone isn't very intelligent. She provides examples from other languages, such as German and Hungarian, and wonders about the appropriateness and offensiveness of these expressions in English.

---

Exploring Common English Idioms

Timestamp [05:58]
Michelle Kaplan:
"I'm not the brightest crayon in the box."

The hosts break down the structure of such idioms, emphasizing the formula: [Subject] + not the [superlative adjective] + [noun] + in the [noun]. They discuss how these phrases play on words—for instance, "bright" can refer both to intelligence and the literal brightness of crayons.

Notable Variations Discussed:

1. "Not the sharpest tool in the shed."

   • Timestamp [08:47]
     Michelle Kaplan:
     "I think this one is the one I've heard the most."

2. "Not the sharpest pencil in the cup."

   • Timestamp [08:59]

3. "Not the brightest bulb in the box."

   • Timestamp [09:34]

4. "Not playing with a full deck."

   • Timestamp [10:18]
     Michelle Kaplan:
     "You're just not. Something's missing."

---

Cultural Sensitivity and Appropriate Usage

Timestamp [05:30]
Lindsay McMahon:
"Yeah, it could very well be offensive. You would have to be using it with somebody you know pretty well."

The hosts caution listeners about the potential offensiveness of these idioms when used inappropriately. They emphasize the importance of context and the relationship between speakers:

• Self-Deprecating Humor:
  Appropriate when referring to oneself in a light-hearted manner.
  Example:
  Michelle Kaplan:
  "I know, I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed sometimes."
  Timestamp [12:29]

• Teasing Friends or Family:
  Acceptable among close friends or family members who understand the playful intent.
  Example (Role Play):

  • Lindsay:
    "I know I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed, am I?"
    • Timestamp [14:02]
  • Michelle:
    "Oh, man. You know, I'm not the brightest crayon in the box with technology."
    • Timestamp [14:10]

• Avoiding Use Towards Strangers or Superiors:
  Using such idioms with people you don’t know well or in professional settings can be offensive and disrespectful.

---

Encouraging Safe Usage and Creativity

Timestamp [07:08]
Michelle Kaplan:
"Technically, you could even make up your own, which would be really clever."

The hosts encourage learners to create their own idioms using the discussed structure, fostering creativity while ensuring clarity and appropriateness. They suggest adding specific contexts to make the expressions more nuanced and less likely to offend.

---

Key Takeaways for Listeners

1. Understand the Structure:
   Familiarize yourself with the common formula of these idioms to use them correctly.

2. Be Mindful of Context:
   Ensure the idiom fits the situation and the relationship you have with the listener.

3. Use Self-Deprecation Wisely:
   When referencing your own shortcomings, keep it light-hearted and specific to avoid negative self-image.

4. Avoid Offensive Usage:
   Refrain from using these expressions towards others unless you are certain of the mutual understanding and playful intent.

5. Engage with Creativity:
   Feel free to craft your own variations to better fit your personal experiences and the nuances of the conversation.

---

Conclusion and Further Learning

The episode wraps up with the hosts encouraging listeners to practice using these idioms with close friends or family members to build comfort and fluency. They highlight the importance of cultural sensitivity and the role of idiomatic expressions in connecting with others.

Timestamp [15:43]
Lindsay McMahon:
"Write to us, let us know if it's common in your language to say something like this... Try using this with a close friend. You gotta use it in a certain fun way and about something very lighthearted."

For listeners eager to continue their learning journey, the hosts recommend upcoming episodes, such as Episode 2315 on rude phrases to avoid in English, further expanding their understanding of English expressions and cultural nuances.

---

Notable Quotes

• Michelle Kaplan [07:08]:
  "Technically, you could even make up your own, which would be really clever."

• Michelle Kaplan [05:30]:
  "You're just not. Something's missing."

• Lindsay McMahon [16:19]:
  "If you have that vibe with a friend where this makes sense, you already tease each other a lot."

---

Final Thoughts

Episode 2334 offers valuable insights into the subtle art of using self-deprecating idioms in English. By understanding their structure, appropriate contexts, and cultural sensitivities, learners can enrich their conversational skills and connect more authentically with native speakers.

---

Stay Connected:
For more episodes, tips, and community interaction, visit AllEarsEnglish.com and subscribe to ensure you never miss out on new content designed to help you speak American English like a native.

Transcript

[Lindsay McMahon]

This is an All Ears English podcast. Episode 2334. What Do Crayons, tools and chandeliers have in common?

[Michelle Kaplan]

Welcome to the All Ears English podcast downloaded more than 200 million times. Are you feeling stuck with your English? We'll show you how to become fearless and fluent by focusing on connection, not perfection with your American hosts. Listen. Lindsay McMahon, the English adventurer and Michelle Kaplan, the New York radio girl coming to you from Colorado and New York City, usa. And to get your transcripts delivered by email every week, go to allearsenglish.com subscribe today our listener asks us about idioms to make a self deprecating joke that we're not too smart. Listen in to get the language tools to build connection with close friends.

[Jack in the Box Ad]

What's the best time of day to get a deal? All day with Jack in the box's all day big deal meal. You get to choose from four entrees like the supreme croissant and five tasty sides plus a drink starting at $5. So hurry in or take your time. You've got all day at Jack. Every bite's a big.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Hey Lindsay, how are you?

[Michelle Kaplan]

Good. Michelle, how are you today?

[Lindsay McMahon]

I'm good. Do you ever color like with crayons?

[Michelle Kaplan]

Oh, not, not since I was younger. But I do know that adult coloring books had kind of a, a trend going a few years ago. So I knew people that were getting them for holidays or birthdays and using them. I guess it's, you know, meditative or relaxing. Right?

[Lindsay McMahon]

Yeah, yeah, that's, that's the idea. I, I got, I, I got on that trend when it first happened, but I think I colored two pages. I don't know.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Well, did it help for you? Was it relaxing? A way of focusing the mind and.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Resting at the point? Yeah, I get the point. You know, because you're only focusing on those movements and so it's nice. The other over Thanksgiving, my sister in law loves to paint as a way to relax and so I never paint with her. But then the other day she brought it out and we were just painting together and I thought this is kind of nice.

[Michelle Kaplan]

That's amazing. What a cool thing to be able to go to, right?

[Lindsay McMahon]

Yeah, well, she's a good artist, so. Wow.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Amazing. Well, I'm excited we're getting on into this topic of crayons and it's going to come. Yes, it's going to sort of in one way or another. But we are going to have a listener question today. This episode is based on a great listener question. So shall I read the Question, Michelle.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Yes, please do.

[Michelle Kaplan]

All right. So our listener Sylvia has asked. Hello, Lindsay, Michelle, Jessica, and Aubrey. Thank you so much for your podcast and your efforts to teach us in such an entertaining way. I've been listening to your podcast and watching your videos on YouTube for about three weeks now. I try to listen to at least five episodes a day, so I still have a lot to catch up on. Well, welcome to our community, Sylvia. So great, Michelle, to have.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Glad you're already sending in a question.

[Michelle Kaplan]

I know that is such a good sign for this listener. Guys, make sure you send us your questions. Send them in to support allersenglish.com we'll get them on our list, and if it's a good question, we'll answer it and read your name out loud on the show. Okay?

[Lindsay McMahon]

Absolutely. All right. Love it.

[Michelle Kaplan]

All right. I have a question about an idiom. I'm not the brightest candle on the chandelier. I know there are variations, different variations of this expression. We use similar ones in German and Hungarian. English is my third language. In Hungarian, for example, we say, not the sharpest knife in the drawer. What variations exist in English and how commonly are they used? Also, is this expression considered offensive, or can it be taken with a wink and a smile? Thank you so much for your hard work, and I wish you all the best moving forward. Best regards, Sylvia. Lovely, lovely, Michelle.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Such a great and fun question. I was very excited to plan this one, so thank you so much. So the. So this is interesting. So I think the main part of the question is at the end, because we need to talk about this for. For sure. Sylvia asks, is this expression considered offensive, or can it be taken with a wink and a smile? So we're definitely going to talk about what. What the feeling is behind these types of expressions. But before we do that, we want to remind you guys to hit the follow button. So you never miss anything from us.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Exactly. We have a lot of old episodes, past episodes, but we. We come out with five new episodes a week. And so stay up to date with our newest episodes. Everyone go ahead and hit that follow. But can make allers English a part of your day? That's the key. That's how we get better. All right.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Yes, exactly.

[Advertisement Voice]

Yes.

[Lindsay McMahon]

All right. So what do you think? Is this offensive?

[Michelle Kaplan]

I mean, I think, Michelle, you know, essentially, yes, it's extremely offensive because you're saying that you're not smart, right? First of all, it depends on who we're saying it about. Are we saying it about ourselves? In that case, it can be. Okay. It can be acceptable. It's the self deprecating way of connecting, really connecting with others. Now if you go and say it about someone else, we want to. There are shades of gray there too. There are nuances. Right, Michelle? Right. We want to be careful. It could be offensive.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Yeah, it could very well be offensive. You would have to be using it with somebody you know pretty well.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Very well. Yeah.

[Lindsay McMahon]

And in a, in a very kind of funny way. Right. Not, not seriously insulting them. Seriously. So that's.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Oh, yeah, yeah.

[Lindsay McMahon]

So that, that's, that's basically what I would say. But. So let's get, let's get into it more. So Sylvia says I'm not the brightest candle on the chandelier as the example. Have you heard that one?

[Michelle Kaplan]

That one? I don't think I've heard it in that exact way with those exact words. I mean, we're saying the same thing across different cultures here. Right. They're just variations of the same idiom. But I don't think we use that one. Michelle, do you think we do?

[Lindsay McMahon]

I don't hear this one as often. When I was researching for the episode, I found it, but to me it's not one of the more common ones that we use. So we're going to talk about some of the common ones today. So the idea. Let's talk about kind of the structure of this. It's. I'm not the. Or someone is not the. Something is. So an adjective. Est. Noun in the noun.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Noun in the noun. I'm not like, I'm not the something. Noun in the noun. Yes, right. There's the breakdown.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Right, okay, but. And we'll give a lot of examples. So you're saying something that comes in something else. So. Or, or something that is on something else, like I guess the chandelier. So I mean, the biggest one that I think about is this what we talked about with the crayon, Lindsay. Is that a common. Can you say what that one is?

[Michelle Kaplan]

Yeah. So this is. I'm not the brightest crayon in the box.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Yeah.

[Michelle Kaplan]

So essentially, I mean, technically, you could even make up your own, which would be really clever. Right? You could make up. You could. I mean, if you want to be really creative with language, you could, you could make up your own idiom in this context, as long as you understand the formula.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Right, right, right, exactly. I. So I'm not the brightest crayon in the box. Noun in the noun.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Right. And that one's interesting because that's kind of a double play on words because we also use the word bright to refer to intelligence. Right. So you're saying I'm not the. The brightest color crayon in the box, but I'm also not the smartest. So that's. That one is extra special.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Yes. Yeah, that's true. That's a good point. Yeah. So yeah, if you. And you know, if you use this on its own, it means you're not that smart. Okay?

[Michelle Kaplan]

Yes.

[Lindsay McMahon]

So what can be okay is if you use it by itself or if you use it just with something else. So let me explain what I mean. I'm not the brightest crayon in the box when it comes to technology. So you can be specific. Right. So if you add. When it comes to. That can be a good way to be specific. You're not just saying I'm not bright. You're just saying, well, this isn't something that I know a lot about.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Yeah, we would recommend that. Exactly. And it builds nuance to what you're saying. It builds context. It makes people want to ask you a question. Well, maybe you're really into art if you're not into technology.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Right.

[Michelle Kaplan]

They. It just gives people more to work with, more to respond to.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Okay, exactly. So let's do some of the other ones. These are some of the other ones I've heard, Lindsay. And if you use them or not, we can talk through them. So what's the first one?

[Michelle Kaplan]

All right. Not the sharpest tool in the shed. I think this one is the one I've heard the most. Yeah, I think this might also be on a song from the 90s, if I'm not forgetting. Yeah, I think so. But anyways, what's the next one, Michelle?

[Lindsay McMahon]

Okay, not the sharpest tool in the shed. And now there's. I found this one. Not the sharpest pencil in the cup.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Interesting. Okay.

[Lindsay McMahon]

And also sharp. Sharp is also a play.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Right.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Because. Right.

[Michelle Kaplan]

We could do another episode, a follow up episode here, Michelle, on ways to say intelligent. Bright, sharp. There's a lot. I mean, we are a culture that hyper values intelligence.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Right.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Hyper values conceptual, cerebral intelligence, book smarts. And so we have a lot of words for that, for sure.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Yeah, that would be a fun one. Different ways to say smart.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Yeah, interesting.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Okay. And then there's also not the brightest bulb in the box. So that goes back to bright.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Interesting. So I wonder if we advise our listeners to make up their own. I wonder if we have to use that double play on words when it comes to this idiom.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Something has to be about, like, so if it's lights and things Being sharp or not. Basically, yeah.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Yeah.

[Lindsay McMahon]

For yes.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Yeah.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Interesting.

[Michelle Kaplan]

But there's one about an elevator, too, that kind of breaks.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Okay, so this is.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Yes.

[Lindsay McMahon]

This is a different one. And there are a lot of ones like this as well. I could do a whole other episode, but it's so mean spirit. I feel bad even saying, oh, what is it?

[Michelle Kaplan]

Oh, yeah. Well, should I say it or.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Sure, go for it.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Okay. My elevator doesn't go all the way to the top.

[Lindsay McMahon]

People aren't gonna isolate this, Lindsay. And then.

[Michelle Kaplan]

No.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Play it one day with AI and you're just saying, my elevator.

[Michelle Kaplan]

No. Well, who knows? It probably will happen. But you know what? I have a fun one that my dad used to use all the time. He used to say, you're not playing with a full deck. Do you know that one? Yes, that's a fun one. That's a fun one. And, you know, sometimes we. We learn language from our family members. You know, what they used to say, so. Yeah.

[Lindsay McMahon]

And what do these mean? I mean, you're not playing with a full deck. What does that mean?

[Michelle Kaplan]

You're just not. Something's missing. Right. Something's miss and so. Yeah, But, Michelle, overall, we, you know, we think these are definitely offensive if they're used in the wrong way. So be super careful. What else?

[Lindsay McMahon]

They could be insulting someone's intelligence. But of course, context is king. And it's. It's just good to consider why you might hear this or who it is okay to hear it from or say it to. So we're going to do some more examples after we break.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Okay.

[Advertisement Voice]

People are driven by the search for better. But when it comes to hiring, the best way to search for a candidate isn't to search at all. Don't search match with Indeed. The hiring process can be slow and overwhelming. Simplify hiring with Indeed. Indeed is your matching and hiring platform with over 350 million global monthly visitors, according to Indeed data and a matching engine that helps you find quality candidates fast. Ditch the busywork. Use Indeed for scheduling, screening, and messaging so you can connect with candidates faster. Join more than 3.5 million businesses worldwide that use Indeed to hire great talent fast. Listeners of this show will get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility@ Indeed.com podKatz13 that's Indeed.com P O D K A T Z 13. Terms and conditions apply.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Okay, Michelle, back for more examples. So would you like to give us the first one here?

[Lindsay McMahon]

Sure. Ah, I keep forgetting what our password is. Seriously, I feel like I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed sometimes.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Yeah. And here you're also qualifying it. You're saying sometimes. Right. Just giving more context. It's situational or I've known you since third grade. You're not the brightest crayon in the box when it comes to football rules. Yeah, that's probably me. When it comes to football rules. I don't know any rules of football.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Oh, I'm horrible. Yeah. But Lindsay, what's the point of our students learning this if it's a bit mean spirited?

[Michelle Kaplan]

I think it can be certainly useful when it comes to self deprecating humor. Right. So you have permission to say this about yourself if you feel like you want to. I wouldn't recommend saying it broadly about yourself overall. I'd give it the scenarios that we talked about about football rules or technology or certain interesting aspects of life that you can say you're not very good at. Right?

[Lindsay McMahon]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, right, exactly. So it's just. Just be careful, that's all. So the rules are you can use it for self deprecating humor, but not in a situation you don't want to put yourself down too much or somebody you're very close with and you're kind of teasing them. Those. To me, if you stick with those, you're pretty safe.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Yeah. No, So I shared the example of what my dad used to say to me. You know, that's a very close family member. Right? Teasing you. That's that example. So we want to really make sure we stay within these rules and then we'll probably be okay. All right, good.

[Lindsay McMahon]

All right, let's do a role play.

[Michelle Kaplan]

All right, so here we are, best friends, and we're trying to fix your phone. Oh, geez. Okay. Oh my gosh. How did you break the screen again?

[Lindsay McMahon]

I know. I'm not the sharpest hole in the shed, am I?

[Michelle Kaplan]

Certainly not when it comes to phones. Okay, so can we take this piece out?

[Lindsay McMahon]

We can try.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Oh, man. You know, I'm not the brightest crayon on the box with technology. Yeah.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Your elevator doesn't go all the way to the top.

[Michelle Kaplan]

I'm trying to help you. Oh, geez. Okay. So yeah, I mean, close friends, they banter, right. Especially when they know it's not going to be hurtful because they know the person. It's a special level of connection that you have. Right.

[Lindsay McMahon]

When you reach that place with somebody where you're kind of just going back and forth, teasing each other, you're really in a good spot. You've really become kind of Close to that person.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Yeah, you got it. Exactly. So, okay, Michelle, what did you say first?

[Lindsay McMahon]

All right, so I said, I know I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed, am I?

[Michelle Kaplan]

And then I said, oh man, you know, I'm not the brightest crayon in the box with technology. And I gave a little spe specific scenario that I'm not good at. Right.

[Lindsay McMahon]

And then I said, yeah, your elevator doesn't go all the way to the top.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Now you're really teasing me and I'm pushing back. I'm say, hey, you know, I'm trying to help you. Why are you teasing me?

[Lindsay McMahon]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, exactly. So we're having a good time.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Yeah. All right, Michelle, what's another episode our listeners could go to right away to keep listening?

[Lindsay McMahon]

All right, so head on over to episode 2315. That was. Who asked you rude phrases to avoid in English?

[Michelle Kaplan]

Yes, love it. Any takeaway today where we should leave our listeners?

[Lindsay McMahon]

Well, you know, I wonder how much this exists in other languages. I'm, I'm very curious if this is a very common way to describe people not being that smart about something. So that, that to me is. I'm, I'm curious. So write to us, let us know if it's common in your language to say something like this. And then also the takeaway is I try using this with a close friend. I think, I think, I think that would be fun. You gotta use it in a certain fun way and about something very light hearted.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Exactly. If you have that vibe with a friend where this makes sense. You already tease each other a lot. Drop this in, give it a try, see how it goes. Follow the rules that we've laid out. Close friends, family members or self deprecating. Try it that way. Um, don't be mean to people. I mean, don't use this in a mean, a weaponized way. Right, Michelle?

[Lindsay McMahon]

Don't like use it with your boss or something like that.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Like, no. All right, great stuff, Michelle. You have a good day. I'll talk to you soon.

[Lindsay McMahon]

All right, bye bye.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Thanks for listening. To all ears. English. Would you like to know your English level? Take our two minute quiz, go to allearsenglish. Com fluencyscore. And if you believe in connection, not perfection, then hit subscribe now to make sure you don't miss anything. See you next time.