C1idiominformalnatureIELTS-friendly
like a bull in a china shop
USUK
very clumsy or careless in a situation that needs care
Used for physical clumsiness and for tactless behaviour. 'China' means fine plates and cups, not the country.
In context
My brother moves around the kitchen like a bull in a china shop.
He handled the sensitive meeting like a bull in a china shop and upset everyone.
More idioms about nature
- a big fish in a small pondan important person, but only in a small group or place
- a bird's-eye viewa view of something from high above
- a breath of fresh airsomeone or something new and different that makes a situation more pleasant
- a dark horsea person with hidden talents, or a competitor nobody expected to do well
- a drop in the oceana very small amount compared with what is needed