with an idiot in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "with an idiot in" is grammatically correct but context-dependent, making it usable in written English.
It can be used in informal contexts to describe a situation involving someone perceived as foolish or incompetent. Example: "I can't believe I have to work on this project with an idiot in charge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Appearance: two shiny gadgets with an idiot in the middle.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

In episode one alone we find the Londoners urinating in a hospitality tent, punching an American, accidentally swearing five times on a live radio show, rolling across a dressing room floor while making whooping jungle noises, cavorting with halfnaked groupies and kicking an idiot in Peterborough city centre after he accuses lead guitarist The Rev of having "chicken legs".

The Guardian - Music

The original version of the article claimed that Sacks, who called "Harry" an "idiot" in his interview with Joyce, nonetheless "cautiously defends" the blogger; DoubleX later ran a correction on this point.

Forbes

Strzok was pulled from special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation in December, following the discovery of text messages where Strzok called Trump an "idiot" in an exchange with FBI lawyer Lisa Page.

Huffington Post

And last month, he likened Mr. Bloomberg to "an idiot" in a phone call with a Cuomo administration official.

The New York Times

You feel like an idiot in Uggs".

The New York Times

A absurdist sendup of Soviet life, "Life With an Idiot" followed boldly in the rich tradition of Russian satire best exemplified operatically by Shostakovich's "The Nose," a work that has attracted significant attention of late.

The New York Times - Arts

Some characters kvetch about New York real estate, others do the gentrifying, and "the Newspaper of Record goes around in a little pleated skirt shaking pompoms, leaping in the air with an idiot grin if so much as a cement mixer passes by".

The Guardian - Books

That's why when we talk about racism it will always take third, fourth, fifth place to some of the other things that have happened to me that are much more meaningful than being in a room with an idiot who is going to judge the colour of my skin.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It's like I got hit with an idiot stick — took ten lashes on the way in," he said of a recent meeting.

The New Yorker

I was trapped in the man's memories, and all with an idiot grin plastered on my idiot face.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience. In professional settings, opting for less accusatory phrases like "dealing with someone inexperienced" may be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase “with an idiot in” in formal or professional communications. It’s better to rephrase to something more neutral, like “working with someone who lacks experience” or “addressing a knowledge gap within the team”.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with an idiot in" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to describe a circumstance or state of being. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "with an idiot in" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to express frustration or disapproval about someone's incompetence in a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. However, it's crucial to consider the context and audience before using it, as it can be perceived as offensive and is generally more suited for informal settings. More neutral alternatives, such as "working with an inexperienced person", may be better choices in professional or formal communications. Despite its presence in news and media, the phrase's informal nature warrants careful consideration before use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the company of an idiot

Replaces "with" with "in the company of", adding a slightly more formal tone.

stuck with a moron

Emphasizes the involuntary nature of the association and uses a more derogatory term.

working alongside a fool

Replaces "idiot" with "fool" and "in" with "alongside", altering the nuance slightly.

involved with an imbecile

Replaces "idiot" with "imbecile", adding a clinical tone.

among fools

Changes the preposition and noun to convey a similar sense of being surrounded by incompetence, but loses the directness.

in league with a dunce

Suggests a collaborative, albeit foolish, association.

associated with a simpleton

Uses more formal vocabulary like "associated" and "simpleton" to express a similar idea.

burdened by a nincompoop

Employs more archaic and humorous language to describe the situation.

in partnership with a buffoon

Highlights the ridiculousness of the association through the word choice.

surrounded by incompetence

Shifts the focus to the general lack of competence rather than a specific individual.

FAQs

What does "with an idiot in" mean?

The phrase "with an idiot in" implies that someone perceived as foolish or incompetent is involved in a particular situation or group. It's often used informally to express frustration or disapproval.

How can I use "with an idiot in" in a sentence?

You might say, "I can't believe I have to collaborate with an idiot in charge of this project". However, be mindful of the potentially offensive nature of this phrase.

Are there more polite alternatives to "with an idiot in"?

Yes, depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "working with an inexperienced person", "dealing with a difficult individual", or "managing a challenging situation".

Is it ever appropriate to use "with an idiot in"?

While grammatically correct, the phrase is generally best reserved for informal settings and close relationships where the intent is clear and unlikely to cause offense. Consider "assessing the situation" carefully before using this phrase.