Phrases.com »

Phrases related to: unable

Yee yee! We've found 45 phrases and idioms matching unable.

Sort:RelevancyA - Z
way out of a paper bagA minimal level of competence or effectiveness, as used in phrases where one is unable to perform such.Rate it:

(4.33 / 6 votes)
knock upTo exhaust; wear out; weary; beat; tire out; to fatigue until unable to do more.Rate it:

(4.00 / 3 votes)
turn to stoneTo become completely still, not moving. The phrase "turn to stone" typically means to become motionless, rigid, or unresponsive. It can also refer to becoming emotionally numb or unfeeling. The phrase has its origins in Greek mythology, where the Gorgon Medusa was said to have the power to turn anyone who looked at her into stone. In this context, "turning to stone" meant to become petrified, frozen, and unable to move. In a more metaphorical sense, "turning to stone" can refer to becoming emotionally or mentally rigid, closed off, or unresponsive. For example, a person might be said to have "turned to stone" if they have experienced trauma or emotional distress that has left them numb or unfeeling. The phrase can also be used to describe a situation where a person or group of people becomes unresponsive or unwilling to change their views or actions. For example, a team that is stuck in their ways and resistant to change might be said to have "turned to stone" in terms of their ability to adapt and evolve. Overall, the phrase "turn to stone" implies a sense of rigidity, immobility, and unresponsiveness. It can refer to becoming physically or emotionally petrified, and it can also describe a situation where a person or group is unwilling or unable to change or adapt.Rate it:

(3.86 / 7 votes)
Can't Get Blood from a StoneTo be unable of doing impossible things,Rate it:

(3.00 / 2 votes)
airmailTo throw the ball well over a fielder's head where that fielder is unable to make a play on the ball.Rate it:

(2.00 / 1 vote)
be a hundred years too earlyTo be so immature and unprepared as to be hopelessly unable to achieve something.Rate it:

(2.00 / 1 vote)
in a cleft stickIn a difficult situation, unable to choose between unfavourable options; in a dilemma.Rate it:

(1.00 / 1 vote)
sick noteA note from a doctor certifying the patient is ill, and therefore unable to go to work, school etc.Rate it:

(1.00 / 1 vote)
at bayCornered; unable to flee.Rate it:

(0.00 / 0 votes)
at bayUnable to come closer; at a distance.Rate it:

(0.00 / 0 votes)
at loggerheadsUnable to agree; opposing.Rate it:

(0.00 / 0 votes)
bog downTo cause to become stuck and unable to progress.Rate it:

(0.00 / 0 votes)
bog downTo become stuck and unable to progress.Rate it:

(0.00 / 0 votes)
can't helpIs unable to avoid a situation, or stop something from happening.Rate it:

(0.00 / 0 votes)
Can't Hit the Side of a BarnTo be unable of hitting the target accurately, to hold horrible planRate it:

(0.00 / 0 votes)
can't seemSeem to be unable.Rate it:

(0.00 / 0 votes)
couldn't carry a note in a bucketnot musically talented, unable to sing.Rate it:

(0.00 / 0 votes)
couldn't organise a piss-up in a breweryIs unable even to organise a project that requires no planning; is incompetent.Rate it:

(0.00 / 0 votes)
deaf as a poststone deaf (unable to hear at all)Rate it:

(0.00 / 0 votes)
draw a blankTo be unable to produce a required piece of information.Rate it:

(0.00 / 0 votes)
être au dessous de ses affaires, être au dessus de ses affaires (ironic.)To be unable to meet one’s liabilities, to be unsuccessful.Rate it:

(0.00 / 0 votes)
execution styleResembling an execution; with the victim aware, but unable to defend himself or resist.Rate it:

(0.00 / 0 votes)
flummoxeda state of being where one is profusely confused; unable to fathom; perplexedRate it:

(0.00 / 0 votes)
Fly Off the HandleTo get extremely furious and angry, unable to control temperRate it:

(0.00 / 0 votes)
get stuckTo be unable to make progress.Rate it:

(0.00 / 0 votes)
get through one's headTo come to terms with a fact, a state of affairs, etc. that one was previously unable or refusing to accept.Rate it:

(0.00 / 0 votes)
I don't speak EnglishIndicates that the speaker is unable to speak the English language.Rate it:

(0.00 / 0 votes)
I'm lostIndicates that the speaker is unable to find his or her way.Rate it:

(0.00 / 0 votes)
lost in translationUnable to understand due to having been poorly translated.Rate it:

(0.00 / 0 votes)
meals on wheelsFood delivered to the homes of those unable to cook for themselves.Rate it:

(0.00 / 0 votes)
not be able to get a word in edgewaysTo be unable to say a single word because of someone else's talkativeness.Rate it:

(0.00 / 0 votes)
not see straightTo be unable to think clearly.Rate it:

(0.00 / 0 votes)
On the FenceUndecided about something, unwilling to commit, unable to choose the sideRate it:

(0.00 / 0 votes)
On the Tip of Your TongueAlmost remembered, almost but not quite brought to mind, unable to remember preciselyRate it:

(0.00 / 0 votes)
orationis expertem esseto be unable to express one's ideas.Rate it:

(0.00 / 0 votes)
Polish parliamentA deliberative body institutionally unable to reach a decision.Rate it:

(0.00 / 0 votes)
portu, terra prohiberi (B. C. 3. 15)to be unable to land.Rate it:

(0.00 / 0 votes)
prae lacrimis loqui non posseto be unable to speak for emotion.Rate it:

(0.00 / 0 votes)
somnum capere non posseto be unable to sleep.Rate it:

(0.00 / 0 votes)
starched as an ironing boardMeans you're stiff unable to bend/flex properlyRate it:

(0.00 / 0 votes)
Stick-in-the-MudA person with old outdated and orthodox ideas who does not like to accept change, unable to cope up or except something new and modernRate it:

(0.00 / 0 votes)
toss and turnTo be unable to sleep because of worrying.Rate it:

(0.00 / 0 votes)
verbis non omnia exsequi posseto be unable to say all one wants.Rate it:

(0.00 / 0 votes)
verbo parum valere (Tusc. 3. 5. 11)to unable to find a suitable expression.Rate it:

(0.00 / 0 votes)
冇眼睇to be unable to bear something anymore; to refuse to be involved further; to be disinclined to continue caring aboutRate it:

(0.00 / 0 votes)

We need you!

Help us build the largest human-edited phrases collection on the web!

Alternative searches for unable:

Quiz

Are you a phrases master?

»
Love at first _____.
A kiss
B sight
C glance
D look

Browse Phrases.com