drop a brick

The phrase drop a brick is often used in English, but what does this idiom mean? When idioms are used in the right situations, they strengthen communication and enrich the language. You can communicate more effectively by learning the meaning of drop a brick.

Meaning of "drop a brick"

Meaning

The idiom ‘drop a brick’ is an informal expression used to describe a situation in which someone makes an embarrassing or awkward mistake or faux pas. It usually is used in situations in which a person reveals something about someone else, or something about themselves, that was meant to be kept private. At the same time, it can also refer to an error or mistake that has been made in an important situation. The phrase is used to convey the feeling of embarrassment when one has made an error or mistake and taken an action that one now regrets.

Etymology

The origin of the phrase ‘drop a brick’ is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the United States in the mid-1800s. It is thought to be related to a type of clumsiness or heavy-handedness that made it appear as if one had dropped a brick. The phrase has since become a popular colloquialism used to express embarrassment or regret at an error or mistake made.

Usage

The phrase ‘drop a brick’ is most commonly used as a way to express a feeling of regret or embarrassment in response to an embarrassing situation. It is also often used to describe a situation in which someone has made a mistake or error in a particular time or place. This can be used to refer to a number of different situations such as when someone has revealed something about someone else, or when someone has made a mistake in an important setting. This phrase can be used in both a lighthearted and serious manner, depending on the context of the situation.

Example Sentences

• He really dropped a brick when he told his boss about his plans to quit.
• I can't believe she dropped a brick and revealed the surprise before the party.
• He made such an embarrassing mistake, it felt like he dropped a brick.

Idioms with similar meaning

"Don't judge a book by its cover" is an English idiom that means you shouldn't make assumptions about someone or something based solely on its appearance. In Japanese, the similar idiom is "Hana yori dango," which translates to "Dumplings rather than flowers." This idiom means that substance is more important than appearance.