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bolt bucket

idiom
Meaning

A machine, especially an automobile. Implies that the machine is clunky or unreliable.


Examples
SIMPLE

My old car is just a rusty bolt bucket.

CONTEXTUAL

I spent all my savings on that bolt bucket, and now the engine will not even start.

COMPLEX

Despite his pride in the vintage vehicle, he eventually admitted it was nothing more than a noisy, unreliable bolt bucket that belonged in a junkyard.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    bolt from the blue

    A complete surprise; something totally unexpected.

  2. 02

    bolt to the bran

    To examine thoroughly, so as to separate or discover everything important.

  3. 03

    brain bucket

    A protective helmet, as worn, for example, by a motorcyclist, bicyclist, or soldier in combat.

  4. 04

    bucket down

    To rain heavily.

  5. 05

    bucket list

    A list of tasks arising during a meeting that are put aside to be dealt with later.

  6. 06

    bucket of bolts

    A piece of machinery that is not worth more than its scrap value, often an old car.

  7. 07

    bucket of rust

    Synonym of rustbucket.

  8. 08

    bucket of syrup

    A sticky, difficult situation.

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