not be able to hit the broad side of a barn: meaning & examples

Meanings:

• 2.

  United StatesCanadaGeneral EnglishinformalcolloquialMachine
  • Figuratively, to perform very badly or to fail repeatedly at tasks that should be easy.

  Examples

  Beta

  • When it comes to fixing the simplest computer issues, Tom just can’t hit the broad side of a barn.

    Cuando se trata de arreglar los problemas informáticos más simples, Tom simplemente no da pie con bola.

  • She tried to solve the puzzle but couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn, making mistake after mistake.

    Intentó resolver el rompecabezas pero no atinaba a nada, cometiendo error tras error.

  • The team’s performance was so bad in the last game that they couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn.

    El desempeño del equipo fue tan malo en el último juego que no lograron acertar ni en lo más básico.

• 1.

  United StatesCanadaGeneral EnglishinformalcolloquialMachine
  • To be extremely poor at aiming or shooting; to lack basic accuracy when trying to hit a target.
  • To be incapable of accomplishing an obvious or simple goal through lack of skill or competence.

  Examples

  Beta

  • During target practice, Jake couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn no matter how hard he tried.

    Durante la práctica de tiro, Jake no podía acertar ni en el lado amplio de un granero sin importar cuánto lo intentara.

  • If you think you can hit the broad side of a barn with that slingshot, think again.

    Si crees que puedes acertar en el lado amplio de un granero con esa resortera, piénsalo de nuevo.

  • She was so nervous that she didn’t hit the broad side of a barn once during the shooting competition.

    Estaba tan nerviosa que no acertó ni una vez en el lado amplio de un granero durante la competencia de tiro.