a sock short of a pair

Definitions

to imply someone is not very intelligent or is behaving strangely
To humorously or sarcastically suggest that someone is not thinking clearly or acting odd
to point out someone's forgetfulness
To jokingly indicate that someone has forgotten something or has made a mistake

Examples of a sock short of a pair

She left her winter coat at home and was dressed in shorts and a t-shirt, making her feel a sock short of a pair in the chilly weather.

This idiom is used to describe someone who is ill-prepared or not fully equipped for a situation, as the person in this example forgot her winter coat and is lacking the necessary cold-weather clothing, making her feel unprepared and uncomfortable (similar to being one sock short of a complete pair of socks).
He has no sense of direction and has gotten lost multiple times, leaving him feeling a sock short of a pair in unfamiliar places.

This idiom is used to describe someone who is lacking an important attribute or skill, as the person in this example lacks a strong sense of direction, making him feel unprepared and disoriented in unfamiliar places (similar to being one sock short of a complete pair of socks).
The building was under construction and several hallways were closed, leaving them feeling a sock short of a pair in finding their way around.

This idiom is used to describe someone who is at a disadvantage or disadvantaged in a situation, as the person in this example is struggling to navigate a confusing and altered environment due to construction, making them feel unprepared and disoriented (similar to being one sock short of a complete pair of socks).
The cake had melted in the heat, leaving them feeling a sock short of a pair in satisfying their sweet tooth.

This idiom is used to describe someone who is disappointed or unsatisfied due to a lack of availability, as the person in this example is craving a sweet treat but cannot find a satisfactory alternative due to a melting cake, making them feel unprepared and disappointed (similar to being one sock short of a complete pair of socks).
The kitchen was in complete disarray, with pots and pans scattered about and dishes piled up in the sink. The person who had been cooking clearly wasn't on top of things, as they were a sock short of a pair.

This idiom is used to describe someone who is forgetful, careless, or disorganized. The phrase "a sock short of a pair" means that the person is missing a small but important item, and this serves as a metaphor for their general lack of attention to detail or organization in other areas of their life as well. In this example, the messy kitchen and disorganized cook are evidence of this tendency.
Her interview outfit was a sock short of a pair.

This means that something was missing from her outfit, likely one of the socks. The phrase "a sock short of a pair" is used to describe someone or something that is almost complete or perfect, but has one minor flaw or missing piece.
After the game, the team was a sock short of a pair.

This metaphorical expression suggests that the team didn't quite achieve their full potential or complete success, as though they were missing a crucial element, like a missing sock.
The roommate moved out leaving the apartment a sock short of a pair.

Here, "a sock short of a pair" means that everything in the apartment is almost in order, except that there's one missing sock. This can be interpreted as an individual who has moved out leaving behind an incomplete or imperfect situation or condition, whether it's the apartment, the relationship, or any other circumstance.

Conclusion

The idiom "a sock short of a pair" is used to humorously or sarcastically imply that someone is not very intelligent or is behaving strangely. It can also be used to jokingly point out someone's forgetfulness or mistakes.

Origin of "a sock short of a pair"

The origin of the idiom "a sock short of a pair" is not entirely clear, but it likely comes from the idea that a pair of socks is meant to have two matching socks, and if one is missing, it is incomplete. This concept is then humorously applied to someone's mental state or behavior, suggesting that they are incomplete or not quite right in some way. The idiom is often used in a lighthearted manner to tease or make fun of someone in a friendly way. For example, if a friend forgets something important, you might playfully say, "You're a sock short of a pair today, aren't you?" to lightly tease them about their forgetfulness.