barn

*broad as a barn door

very broad or wide. (*Also: as ~.) Jim's backside is as broad as a barn door. The weight lifter's chest is broad as a barn door.

See also: broad, door

all around Robin Hood's barn

going somewhere by an indirect route; going way out of the way [to get somewhere]; by a long and circuitous route. We had to go all around Robin Hood's barn to get to the little town.

See also: around

can't hit the (broad) side of a barn

Rur. cannot aim something accurately. You're way off. You couldn't hit the broad side of a barn. Please don't try to throw the paper into the wastebasket. You can't hit the side of a barn.

See also: hit, side

hit the (broad) side of a barn

Fig. to hit an easy target. (Usually negative.) He can't park that car! He can't hit the broad side of a barn, let alone that parking place. He's a lousy shot. He can't hit the side of a barn.

See also: hit, side

raised in a barn

brought up to behave like a barnyard animal; having crude behavior. Close the door behind you! Were you raised in a barn? Don't wipe your nose on your sleeve. Were you raised in a barn?

See also: raised

Were you born in a barn?

Rur. an expression chiding someone who has left a door open or who is ill-mannered or messy. Andy: Close the door! Were you born in a barn? Bob: Sorry. Fred: Can't you clean this place up a little? Were you born in a barn? Bob: I call it the messy look.

See also: born