Communication is a powerful tool, but sometimes, no matter how hard we try, understanding can slip through our fingers. Whether we’re facing a confusing conversation, a complicated task, or just struggling to make sense of something, we all have moments when we just don’t “get it.” These idioms are a fantastic way to express that feeling without sounding too harsh, and they add warmth and empathy to your conversations. If you’re looking for a way to gracefully admit confusion, these idioms can help.
In this article, we’ll explore 30 idioms for not understanding, how to use them, and other ways to express the same thought. Whether you’re talking about an abstract concept or a simple mix-up, these idioms will allow you to communicate your confusion in a friendly, thoughtful, and clear way.
1. A Few Sheets to the Wind
Meaning: To be slightly confused or out of touch, typically due to distractions or misunderstanding.
Example Sentence: “I was a few sheets to the wind during the meeting, and now I’m not sure what we decided.”
Best Use: This idiom is great for lighthearted situations where confusion is more about being overwhelmed than a complete lack of understanding.
Not Use: Avoid using it when the confusion is more serious or if you’re discussing a delicate subject.
Other Ways to Say: “A little lost,” “Feeling off,” “Out of sync”
2. In the Dark
Meaning: To be unaware or not informed about something.
Example Sentence: “I’m totally in the dark about the changes in the schedule.”
Best Use: Perfect when you’re genuinely unaware of certain details but want to convey a softer tone of confusion.
Not Use: Don’t use this when you know you’re actively avoiding information.
Other Ways to Say: “Clueless,” “Not in the loop,” “Out of the loop”
3. Like a Fish Out of Water
Meaning: To feel uncomfortable or confused because you’re in an unfamiliar situation.
Example Sentence: “I felt like a fish out of water when I tried to understand the new software.”
Best Use: Ideal for admitting discomfort in unfamiliar environments or tasks.
Not Use: Avoid using this when the situation is a minor misunderstanding.
Other Ways to Say: “Out of my depth,” “Lost in the weeds,” “In over my head”
4. A Head Scratcher
Meaning: Something that is puzzling or difficult to understand.
Example Sentence: “The ending of that movie was a real head-scratcher for me.”
Best Use: Great for describing something that leaves you perplexed or puzzled.
Not Use: Don’t use it for minor confusion, as it may exaggerate the situation.
Other Ways to Say: “Puzzling,” “Confusing,” “Mystifying”
5. At a Loss
Meaning: To feel unsure or incapable of understanding something.
Example Sentence: “I’m at a loss trying to understand these instructions.”
Best Use: Use this idiom when you’re feeling genuinely uncertain and lack understanding.
Not Use: Avoid using it for situations where confusion isn’t genuine.
Other Ways to Say: “Perplexed,” “Baffled,” “Stumped”
6. Out to Lunch
Meaning: To be absent or distracted, not fully present mentally.
Example Sentence: “I was out to lunch during the discussion, and now I don’t know what happened.”
Best Use: Use when you’ve been mentally absent from a conversation or event, making it difficult to follow along.
Not Use: Avoid using it for more serious misunderstandings.
Other Ways to Say: “Daydreaming,” “Not paying attention,” “Zoned out”
7. Not the Brightest Bulb in the Box
Meaning: To be slow to understand or less intelligent in a particular situation.
Example Sentence: “I’m definitely not the brightest bulb in the box when it comes to accounting terms.”
Best Use: This is often used in a self-deprecating way, acknowledging that understanding is a challenge.
Not Use: Avoid using this to describe others in a negative light.
Other Ways to Say: “Not the sharpest tool in the shed,” “A little slow on the uptake,” “Not a genius”
8. A Blank Slate
Meaning: To have no prior knowledge or understanding of something.
Example Sentence: “When it comes to this new project, I’m a blank slate.”
Best Use: Use this idiom when you want to express that you have no prior information and need guidance.
Not Use: Avoid using this idiom when you do have some understanding.
Other Ways to Say: “A beginner,” “A novice,” “New to this”
9. Like a Deer in Headlights
Meaning: To feel frozen or unable to react because you’re confused or caught off guard.
Example Sentence: “I was like a deer in headlights when the presenter asked me a question.”
Best Use: This idiom is excellent when you’re surprised by a situation and don’t know how to react.
Not Use: Don’t use it for small moments of confusion.
Other Ways to Say: “Stunned,” “Frozen,” “Caught off guard”
10. Can’t Make Heads or Tails of It
Meaning: To be unable to understand something at all.
Example Sentence: “I can’t make heads or tails of this new policy.”
Best Use: When you’re genuinely baffled and can’t figure something out.
Not Use: Avoid using it when you have partial understanding.
Other Ways to Say: “Baffled,” “Totally confused,” “Lost in translation”
11. In Over My Head
Meaning: To be involved in something that’s beyond your understanding or ability.
Example Sentence: “I think I’m in over my head with this new assignment.”
Best Use: Perfect when you feel overwhelmed and unable to fully comprehend something.
Not Use: Don’t use it for minor confusion.
Other Ways to Say: “Out of my depth,” “Overwhelmed,” “In too deep”
12. At Sixes and Sevens
Meaning: To be confused or in a state of disarray.
Example Sentence: “The whole team was at sixes and sevens when the meeting started.”
Best Use: This idiom works well when you want to describe a chaotic or disorganized situation.
Not Use: Avoid using it for mild confusion.
Other Ways to Say: “In a tizzy,” “Out of sorts,” “Confused”
13. Left in the Lurch
Meaning: To be abandoned in a confusing or difficult situation.
Example Sentence: “I was left in the lurch when they didn’t explain the new process.”
Best Use: Ideal when you feel abandoned or unsupported in a confusing situation.
Not Use: Don’t use it when you’ve received clear instructions.
Other Ways to Say: “Left behind,” “Abandoned,” “Forsaken”
14. In a Fog
Meaning: To feel mentally unclear or confused.
Example Sentence: “I’m in a fog after staying up all night studying.”
Best Use: This is useful for expressing that you’re not thinking clearly.
Not Use: Avoid using it when you’re not genuinely confused.
Other Ways to Say: “Disoriented,” “Muddled,” “Foggy-brained”
15. Out of the Loop
Meaning: Not informed or included in something.
Example Sentence: “I was out of the loop on the details of the project.”
Best Use: When you don’t have all the information and feel left out of the conversation.
Not Use: Don’t use this when you’re purposefully avoiding information.
Other Ways to Say: “Not in the know,” “Left out,” “Uninformed”
16. Like Talking to a Brick Wall
Meaning: When trying to explain something but not getting through to the person.
Example Sentence: “Trying to explain this to him was like talking to a brick wall.”
Best Use: Best when expressing frustration at being misunderstood.
Not Use: Avoid using it if there’s no real frustration.
Other Ways to Say: “No response,” “Like hitting a dead end,” “Hitting a wall”
17. Not the Sharpest Tool in the Shed
Meaning: To not be quick to understand things.
Example Sentence: “I’m not the sharpest tool in the shed when it comes to electronics.”
Best Use: Ideal for self-deprecating humor when you’re having difficulty understanding something.
Not Use: Avoid using it to insult others.
Other Ways to Say: “Not the brightest,” “A bit slow on the uptake,” “Not a genius”
18. In the Dark About
Meaning: To be unaware of something.
Example Sentence: “I was in the dark about the changes to the schedule.”
Best Use: Use this idiom when you’re lacking essential information.
Not Use: Don’t use it when you’re actively ignoring information.
Other Ways to Say: “Clueless,” “Unaware,” “Uninformed”
19. Baffled
Meaning: Completely confused or perplexed.
Example Sentence: “I was baffled by the instructions for assembling the furniture.”
Best Use: Perfect when you’re totally confused and don’t understand something.
Not Use: Avoid using it for situations where the confusion is minor.
Other Ways to Say: “Perplexed,” “Stumped,” “Mystified”
20. Lost
Meaning: To not understand what is going on or what to do.
Example Sentence: “I’m completely lost with all the technical jargon.”
Best Use: This is great for expressing complete lack of understanding.
Not Use: Avoid using it when you have some understanding.
Other Ways to Say: “Confused,” “Uncertain,” “Clueless”
21. Like a Rabbit in the Headlights
Meaning: To be frozen or scared due to confusion.
Example Sentence: “When they asked me a question, I was like a rabbit in the headlights.”
Best Use: Use it when you’re caught off guard and unsure how to react.
Not Use: Avoid using it for mild confusion.
Other Ways to Say: “Frozen,” “Stunned,” “Caught off guard”
22. Totally Stumped
Meaning: To be unable to understand or figure out something.
Example Sentence: “I was totally stumped by the puzzle.”
Best Use: This idiom works well when you’re trying to solve something and cannot figure it out.
Not Use: Don’t use it when the situation is easy to understand.
Other Ways to Say: “Baffled,” “Confused,” “Perplexed”
23. Like a Lost Sheep
Meaning: To be confused or without direction.
Example Sentence: “I felt like a lost sheep during the meeting because I hadn’t read the report.”
Best Use: Ideal for expressing confusion in social or professional settings.
Not Use: Avoid using it for situations where you’re unsure but still have control.
Other Ways to Say: “Confused,” “Directionless,” “Disoriented”
24. Without a Clue
Meaning: To have no idea or understanding of something.
Example Sentence: “I was without a clue about the topic of the presentation.”
Best Use: Use this when you’re genuinely lost or unaware of something.
Not Use: Don’t use it when you’re just confused but not completely clueless.
Other Ways to Say: “Clueless,” “In the dark,” “Baffled”
25. Up in the Air
Meaning: Something that is uncertain or undecided, leaving you confused.
Example Sentence: “The future of the project is still up in the air, so I don’t know what to think.”
Best Use: Ideal for describing uncertainty or a lack of clarity.
Not Use: Avoid using it if you already have some clarity on the subject.
Other Ways to Say: “Unsettled,” “Uncertain,” “In limbo”
26. Throw in the Towel
Meaning: To give up because you don’t understand or can’t figure something out.
Example Sentence: “After trying for hours, I finally threw in the towel with the problem.”
Best Use: Best for describing a situation where you’ve exhausted all options.
Not Use: Avoid using it unless you’re genuinely giving up.
Other Ways to Say: “Give up,” “Surrender,” “Quit”
27. Scratch Your Head
Meaning: To be puzzled or confused about something.
Example Sentence: “I scratched my head trying to understand the new software.”
Best Use: Perfect for moments of confusion, especially in problem-solving situations.
Not Use: Don’t use it when the confusion is minor.
Other Ways to Say: “Puzzled,” “Perplexed,” “Confused”
28. In a Quandary
Meaning: To be uncertain about what to do due to confusion.
Example Sentence: “I was in a quandary about which job offer to accept.”
Best Use: Use when you’re torn between options and unsure about what to do.
Not Use: Avoid using it for casual confusion.
Other Ways to Say: “In a dilemma,” “At a crossroads,” “Undecided”
29. On Thin Ice
Meaning: To be in a risky or uncertain position, often due to a lack of understanding.
Example Sentence: “I’m on thin ice with this project because I don’t fully understand the requirements.”
Best Use: When you feel unsure about something important or risky.
Not Use: Avoid using it for situations that don’t carry serious consequences.
Other Ways to Say: “Walking a fine line,” “In a tricky situation,” “On shaky ground”
30. Like a Broken Record
Meaning: Repeating the same thing because you don’t understand or are stuck on it.
Example Sentence: “I feel like a broken record, asking for clarification over and over again.”
Best Use: When you’re repeatedly confused and trying to understand something.
Not Use: Don’t use it when you’re merely unsure, not repeatedly confused.
Other Ways to Say: “Repeating myself,” “Stuck on repeat,” “Echoing myself”
FAQs
- What are some idioms for admitting confusion?
- Idioms like “in the dark,” “a head-scratcher,” and “out to lunch” are commonly used to express confusion gently.
- Can these idioms be used in formal settings?
- Some idioms, like “in a fog” or “at a loss,” can be used in formal settings, but others may be too informal.
- How can I sound more empathetic when expressing confusion?
- Use idioms like “in over my head” or “like a fish out of water” to convey vulnerability and empathy.
- Are these idioms suitable for professional conversations?
- Yes, many of these idioms are professional, but ensure you’re using them in the appropriate context to avoid sounding too casual.
- Can I use these idioms for self-deprecating humor?
- Absolutely! Idioms like “not the brightest bulb” or “a few sheets to the wind” work well in lighthearted, self-deprecating contexts.
Conclusion
Understanding is an essential part of communication, but sometimes, we just don’t “get it” right away. By using idioms for not understanding, you can express confusion in an empathetic, clear, and gracious way. Whether you’re admitting you’re “in the dark” or feel like a “fish out of water,” these idioms provide a powerful, relatable way to express uncertainty without being too blunt. Use them to create more engaging, thoughtful conversations where you can connect with others while acknowledging that it’s okay to not always understand right away.
