Bats in the belfry is a phrase that refers to being crazy or eccentric.

What does it mean when someone says bats in the belfry?

—to have bats in the belfry or (chiefly US) bats in one's belfry is to be crazy an old woman with bats in her belfry.

Why does bats in the belfry mean crazy?

Because bats use echolocation instead of their eyes to fly, their flight pattern can often appear erratic. Having "bats in the belfry" means that a person is crazy or eccentric; this idiomatic expression originated in the late 19th century.

Where did bats in the belfry come from?

The phrase to have bats in one's belfry and variants mean to be crazy or eccentric. ... Of American-English origin, to have bats in one's belfry seems to date back to the late 19^th century: the earliest instances that I have found are from 1897.

What does the belfry mean?

1 : a bell tower especially : one surmounting or attached to another structure. 2 : a room or framework for enclosing a bell.

Pitch invader stops golden try-scoring chance for Wales to beat South Africa

40 related questions found

Is belfry a real word?

noun, plural bel·fries. a bell tower, either attached to a church or other building or standing apart. the part of a steeple or other structure in which a bell is hung.

Why are people called batty?

Batty originally meant "like a bat," with the "eccentric" meaning arising from the expression "bats in the belfry," which means "crazy" or "not right in the head."

How do you use bats in the belfry?

The phrase “bats in the belfry” means crazy or eccentric behavior. Bats usually fly around erratically when they are moved. Hence, the phrase is often suitable to use if a person is running around aimlessly, thinking something out loud or he/she imagines if something is flying above their head.

Do you have bats in the belfry?

To be crazy; to act, think, or behave in a foolish or nonsensical manner. Tommy must have bats in the belfry if he thinks he can convince our mother to let him get a tattoo for his birthday.

Do something on the up and up?

The phrase on the up and up can mean either that something is legitimate or that something is improving.

What is a poppin?

What does poppin' mean? When used as an adjective, poppin' is a synonym for awesome, popular, or fresh, especially prominent in US black slang.

What is a bat house?

It's in these places—small spaces located high off the ground—where they give birth and rear their young. Building a summer home for bats can play a vital role in their survival, providing optimal roosting conditions that might otherwise be hard to find.

Is it safe to stay in a house with bats in the attic?

Other than damaging your attic and making a lot of noise, bats can make you get sick. Their droppings, guano, contain a fungus known as Histoplasma capsulatum which is detrimental to people's health. ... You shouldn't even attempt to clean bat guano on your own! These pests also expose humans to rabies.

Will bats leave my attic in winter?

Bats will hibernate in the winter if the temperature stays at around 35 to 40° F. If it gets colder than that, the bats in the attic will migrate out, allowing you to seal up cracks and other entry points once they leave for the season.

What do bats hate the most?

Since their noses are much more sensitive, strong scents tend to scare them off. There are many essential oils available, but the ones that are popular among those who want to get rid of bats are cinnamon, eucalyptus, cloves, mint, and peppermint.

What is batty UK slang?

adjective. If you say that someone is batty, you mean that they are somewhat eccentric or slightly crazy. [informal, disapproval]

What does make it pax mean?

because "pax" is a Latin word meaning "peace", the reader can tell that the phrase "make it pax" in chapter 3, page 30/32, means what? to settle a disagreement. 10. name events that are part of the rising action of the novel.

Who swallowed the canary?

Definition of like the cat that ate/got/swallowed the canary

—used to say that someone looks very proud or satisfied about something he or she has done After pointing out his teacher's mistake, he smiled like the cat that ate the canary.

What does Logomania mean?

: abnormal talkativeness : logorrhea.

What means undercurrent?

1 : a current below the upper currents or surface. 2 : a hidden opinion, feeling, or tendency often contrary to the one publicly shown.

Is a bat house a good idea?

As bats play a huge role in our ecosystems, many have become bat conservationists. ... By installing a bat house, you give these animals a safe place to live and procreate. With all the natural habitats being destroyed today, this is incredibly important for the animals.

Do bats poop in their house?

Bat droppings around your property, home, lawn or attic need to be removed immediately. Bat poop does smell; bats are wild animals that live outside. Bats also tend to defecate in residential pools, as well as lakes, rivers and ponds.

Why do we need bat houses?

Why are bat houses important? Bat houses are particularly helpful in providing alternative roosting habitat for bats that are excluded from homes. ... Installing a bat house on your property can provide a safe environment for bats, while protecting your yard from pest insects, like mosquitoes, moths, and beetles.

What is off the chain?

US informal. extremely good: I made it with extra cheese and it was off the chain.