Like a bull in a china shop

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Meaning

Acting clumsily or recklessly in a delicate situation, smashing through finesse.

Origin

From 19th-century Britain, tied to an 1834 Marryat novel; 'Jacob Faithful'-where a bull trashes a shop. It became a smash-hit idiom of graceless mess in a dainty age.

Variants

  • Bull in china
  • Bull and china

Usage Examples

  • He's like a bull in a china shop at parties-awkward!
  • She stormed in like a bull in a china shop, upsetting everyone.
  • Don't let him near the display; like a bull in a china shop!

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