# brick in one's hat

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/brick-in-ones-hat
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Drunkenness.

## Examples

- He had a brick in his hat after the party.
- The man stumbled out of the tavern with a brick in his hat, laughing loudly at his own jokes.
- Despite his attempts to appear composed during the formal dinner, his slurred speech and unsteady gait betrayed the fact that he had a brick in his hat.

## Origin

US, circa 1846. Presumably due to staggering walk when drunk; compare top-heavy with drink.

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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.