circle of nitwits

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "circle of nitwits" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a group of people who are perceived as foolish or incompetent, often in a humorous or derogatory manner. Example: "Every time I attend that meeting, I feel like I'm stuck in a circle of nitwits who can't make a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sofia Coppola's "The Bling Ring" may be the most exquisitely crafted movie ever made about a bunch of nitwits.

The New Yorker

As given demented life by Mr. McConaughey, he is a welcome presence among a collection of nitwits so irremediably disposable that they're as evanescent as drops of water on a hot wood stove.

The New York Times

The anonymous author seemed to relish his cheeky, slightly un-Timesean kicker, which quoted a Republican on the state of the House: "a supine, subservient, soporific, superfluous, supercilious, pusillanimous body of nitwits".

The New York Times

In this battle of nitwits, McColl, who apparently hasn't raised a laugh since 1997 (the legendary titter was caught on tape and is played for us), is the loser.

The New Yorker

You’re also going to hear a bunch of nitwits banging their end-of-the-markets doom and gloom drums.

Forbes

I also know that Rex Tillerson, tabbed to become the next secretary of state, is a corporate kleptocrat, and that Betsy DeVos, Rick Perry and Scott Pruitt slated, respectively, to lead the Departments of Education and Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency are a trio of nitwits and/or climate deniers.

HuffPost

Circle of life.

Independent

Her loving circle of friends.

The New York Times

Disadvantage is: limited circle of applicability.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

Circle of trust.

Los Angeles Times

The endless circle of life".

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "circle of nitwits", ensure the context clearly indicates that you are referring to a group of people perceived as foolish or incompetent. The phrase is often used humorously or critically.

Common error

Avoid using "circle of nitwits" in formal or professional settings, as it is generally considered an informal and potentially offensive expression. Opt for more neutral language when addressing serious or sensitive topics.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "circle of nitwits" functions as a noun phrase that serves to describe a group of people characterized by their foolishness or incompetence. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "circle of nitwits" is a phrase used to describe a group of people perceived as foolish or incompetent. While grammatically correct, as affirmed by Ludwig AI, its informal and potentially offensive nature makes it unsuitable for formal contexts. Alternative phrases such as "group of fools" or "band of idiots" may be considered depending on the desired tone. The phrase's purpose is to express criticism or humor, primarily within news, media, and informal communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

group of fools

Replaces "nitwits" with a more generic term for foolish individuals.

collection of imbeciles

Substitutes "nitwits" with a stronger term implying a lack of intelligence.

band of idiots

Replaces "nitwits" with a common and direct term for unintelligent people.

cluster of simpletons

Uses a more formal term, "simpletons", to describe foolish individuals within a group.

troupe of buffoons

Emphasizes the comical and absurd nature of the group's foolishness.

assembly of dimwits

Uses a less common but descriptive term, "dimwits", for unintelligent individuals.

coterie of dunces

Employs "dunce", a term historically associated with stupidity, to describe the group.

gathering of numskulls

Replaces "nitwits" with "numskulls", another term implying foolishness or stupidity.

set of nincompoops

Uses "nincompoops", a humorous term, to describe foolish or silly individuals.

pack of twits

A more informal alternative using "twits", suggesting silliness and foolishness.

FAQs

How can I use "circle of nitwits" in a sentence?

You can use "circle of nitwits" to describe a group of people who seem foolish or incompetent. Example: "Every time I attend that committee meeting, I feel like I'm stuck in a "circle of nitwits" who can't make a decision."

What's a less offensive alternative to "circle of nitwits"?

Consider using alternatives like "group of fools", "collection of incompetent people", or "band of idiots" depending on the specific context and your intended tone.

Is "circle of nitwits" appropriate for formal writing?

No, "circle of nitwits" is generally too informal and potentially offensive for formal writing. Opt for more professional or neutral language in such contexts.

What does "nitwit" mean in the phrase "circle of nitwits"?

"Nitwit" is a derogatory term for a foolish or stupid person. In the phrase "circle of nitwits", it implies that the group being described consists of such individuals.