# average bear

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/average-bear
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

The norm; an average person; Used in comparisons

## Examples

- He is not your average bear when it comes to math.
- She is not your average bear, as she speaks five languages and plays three instruments.
- While most candidates offered standard solutions, he proved he was not your average bear by proposing a radical, innovative strategy.

## Origin

After the cartoon character Yogi Bear, said to be "smarter than the average bear". (disputed)

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.