Phrase guide

not be able to hit the broad side of a barn

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To have very poor aim, such as while using firearms or in sports.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, informal, no-past-participle, no-present-participle

Examples

  • No, I am really not good at batting in baseball. I cannot hit the broad side of a barn, really.
  • The new recruit is absolutely worthless with a rifle. Blimey, she wouldn't be able to hit the broad side of a barn if I asked her to.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

2 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Hebrew: לא להיות מסוגל לפגוע בקיר של אסם — have very poor aim
  • Hebrew: לא להצליח לקלוע אפילו לקיר של אסם — have very poor aim