suffer fools

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "suffer fools" is correct and can be used in written English.
Generally, it is used to express a lack of patience for people or situations that are perceived to be foolish or annoying. For example, "I will not suffer fools anymore. I refuse to put up with any more foolish behavior."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She doesn't suffer fools".

The New York Times - Arts

They don't suffer fools.

The New York Times - Books

"He doesn't suffer fools.

The New York Times

He did not suffer fools.

The New York Times

"She doesn't suffer fools gladly.

Independent

She did not suffer fools".

The Guardian

Richie doesn't suffer fools lightly".

The Guardian

You suffer fools less gladly?

The Guardian - Film

"He doesn't suffer fools gladly".

The New York Times - Books

Both tend not to suffer fools gladly.

The Economist

And he wouldn't suffer fools gladly".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing. It can be perceived as harsh or elitist, so ensure it aligns with your intended message.

Common error

Be mindful that using the expression can come across as arrogant. Ensure the context justifies the expression and consider softening it if necessary to avoid alienating your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "suffer fools" functions as an idiomatic expression, conveying a speaker's intolerance or impatience with people they perceive as unintelligent or foolish. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The expression "suffer fools" is a widely used idiom that conveys impatience with those deemed unintelligent, confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's grammatically sound and quite frequent, particularly in News & Media. While effective for conveying a lack of patience, it's crucial to consider the potential for it to be perceived as arrogant or elitist. Alternative phrases like "tolerate incompetence" or "have patience for stupidity" may offer a more nuanced expression depending on the intended audience and message. Its idiomatic nature and potential negative connotations necessitate careful consideration of the context for appropriate and impactful usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

am intolerant of stupidity

Direct statement of intolerance.

have no tolerance for stupidity

Stronger emphasis on the lack of tolerance and the presence of stupidity.

not put up with idiocy

More informal and direct, using the word "idiocy".

refuse to tolerate incompetence

Focuses on active refusal rather than passive suffering.

lack patience for incompetence

More specific, focusing on incompetence rather than general foolishness.

lose patience with incompetence

Highlights the loss of patience as a reaction.

have a low threshold for foolishness

Emphasizes the easiness with which one gets irritated by foolish behavior.

cannot abide foolishness

More formal and emphatic.

will not stand for nonsense

Focuses on refusing to accept something perceived as pointless or untrue.

despise foolish behavior

Emphasizes dislike of foolish behavior.

FAQs

How can I use "suffer fools" in a sentence?

You can use "suffer fools" to indicate that someone is impatient with people they consider unintelligent or foolish. For example, "She doesn't "suffer fools" gladly, so be prepared with well-reasoned arguments."

What does it mean to "suffer fools"?

To "suffer fools" means to tolerate or put up with people considered unintelligent or foolish, often with impatience or annoyance. It suggests a lack of patience for those who are not seen as intellectually capable.

What are some alternatives to "suffer fools"?

Alternatives include "tolerate incompetence", "have patience for stupidity", or "put up with idiocy". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "suffer fools gladly" or simply "suffer fools"?

"Suffer fools gladly" implies a more willing or patient attitude towards foolishness, often used ironically. "Suffer fools" without "gladly" suggests impatience or intolerance. The choice depends on the intended meaning and tone.