As blind as a bat
Definitions
to be unable to see clearly or at all
Used to describe someone who has poor or limited vision, often used in a humorous or exaggerated wayto be unaware or uninformed
Can refer to someone who is oblivious to what is happening around them or who is ignorant about a particular subject or topicto have poor judgment or perception
Can be used to describe someone who makes mistakes or poor decisions due to a lack of understanding or insight
Examples of As blind as a bat
The new accountant was as blind as a bat when it came to reading financial reports.
This idiom is used to describe someone who is completely unfamiliar or inexperienced with a particular task or subject matter. In this case, the new accountant was so inexperienced in reading financial reports that it was as if they were as blind as a bat, which is a common metaphor for someone who is completely unable to see in the dark.
The CEO's decision to invest in that company was as blind as a bat.
This idiom is used to describe a decision that is made without proper consideration or analysis. In this case, the CEO's decision to invest in the company was made blindly, without proper consideration or analysis, which is similar to a bat flying blindly in the dark.
The student's understanding of the subject was as blind as a bat.
This idiom is used to describe someone who is completely unaware or ignorant of a particular subject. In this case, the student's understanding of the subject was so limited that it was as if they were as blind as a bat, which is a common metaphor for someone who is completely unable to see in the dark.
The athlete's performance in the game was as blind as a bat.
This idiom is used to describe a poor or lackluster performance. In this case, the athlete's performance in the game was so poor that it was as if they were as blind as a bat, which is a common metaphor for someone who is completely unable to see in the dark.
The politician's response to the crisis was as blind as a bat.
This idiom is used to describe a response that is completely inadequate or unhelpful. In this case, the politician's response to the crisis was so inadequate that it was as if they were as blind as a bat, which is a common metaphor for someone who is completely unable to see in the dark.
Conclusion
The idiom "as blind as a bat" is used to describe someone who has poor vision, is unaware or uninformed about something, or has poor judgment. It is often used in a lighthearted manner to exaggerate someone's lack of clarity or understanding.Origin of "As blind as a bat"
The origin of this idiom is unclear, but it is believed to have originated from the fact that bats are often associated with darkness and are known to use echolocation to navigate. This means that they rely on sound rather than sight to move around, giving the impression that they are "blind." Additionally, there is a common misconception that bats are actually blind, further reinforcing the use of this idiom.
The idiom "as blind as a bat" has been used in literature and popular culture for centuries. One of the earliest recorded usages of this phrase can be found in the book "A Midsummer Night's Dream" by William Shakespeare, where one of the characters states, "Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind, And therefore is winged Cupid painted blind." This can be interpreted as meaning that love is blind, just like a bat.
In modern times, this idiom is often used in a humorous or sarcastic way, and it has become a common phrase in everyday language. It is used to describe someone who is not able to see clearly or who is unaware or uninformed about something. It can also be used to imply that someone is making poor decisions or judgments due to a lack of understanding.