As blind as a bat.
As blind as a bat.
Editorial context: Bats can see. This expression exaggerates a failure to notice; it is not an accurate animal fact or a fair judgement about people who are blind.
Meaning in plain English
The expression exaggerates a failure to notice something or difficulty seeing it. Its bat comparison is factually misleading: bats can see. It should not be used to equate visual disability with carelessness or lack of understanding.
Example
A proofreader misses a heading on a crowded page, then identifies the omission directly instead of using an animal comparison to insult their own ability.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The comparison makes a failure to notice seem complete, whether the speaker means an overlooked detail or a difficulty with what is visible. It is an emphatic expression rather than a useful description of a person’s abilities. The animal premise also needs correction: Bat Conservation International explains that bats can see, with eyesight varying between species. An editorial reading can therefore describe what the expression is trying to convey without repeating its premise as fact. In practice, it is clearer to name the overlooked detail or the access difficulty. Neither should become an insult about someone’s intelligence or a judgement about people who are blind.
When to use it
Use more precise wording when a detail was missed or something was difficult to see.
Keep in mind
Bats can see; noticing a detail, visual access and understanding are different matters.
References for this reading
- Reference: www.batcon.org ↗
Bats can see; the FAQ describes differences in eyesight between species. This corrects the comparison’s factual premise, not its historical origin.
Frequently asked questions: Are bats blind?
Edsverb editorial interpretation · agent reviewed · 2026-10-03. This explains the saying; it does not establish its historical origin.
- Source
- A Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases
Entry 132 · Blind
Read the original context ↗ - Attribution confidence
- traditional · historical anthology
Preserved as printed; independently unverified. - Historical coordinate
- Undated
No reliable date supplied by the collection. - Rights & edition
- Public domain (United States)
Translations and rights may differ elsewhere.
Provenance and licences ↗